ALL teachers will join Sarah Henry for this session. The missing piece for many PLCs is integrating PLC work with Tier 1 Instruction. In this session, participants will gain a better understanding of the potential of PLC work to differentiate Tier 1 instruction in a more intentional and impactful way. A protocol for PLCs to follow to accomplish this work will be modeled and practiced in the session.
Sarah Henry is a full-time District Alignment & PLC Specialist as well as Education Consultant through her company Sarah D. Henry Consulting, LLC. and Rosebrock Consulting, INC. Sarah is the co-author of, "Arrows: A Systems-Based Approach to School Leadership". She served as the Secondary... Read More →
Discover how practical, research-based practices form the foundation of effective writing instruction. This session unpacks the science of writing—highlighting how foundational skills, explicit instruction, and modeled strategies work together to support student growth. Walk away with a clear understanding of what it means to apply the science of writing in today’s K–12 classrooms.
Reward systems can be useful to engage students and create a positive class culture. A classroom economy is just one type of reward system that can be very effective. When you think of running a classroom economy, you probably think of an elementary classroom with assigned jobs. As a Personal Finance teacher, I was able to successfully use a classroom economy with my high school freshmen, and the results were significant. I had the best classroom management in the school, including no cell phone usage in my class. Students asked other teachers to copy what I was doing. In this session I will share with teachers how my economy worked and how they can modify and use it in their classrooms. I will also walk them through some real life activities like earning their classroom currency and paying for their seats.
As an Instructional Coach, I am passionate about empowering teachers and fostering student growth. My path to becoming an Instructional Coach started with teaching computer programs to adults in a corporate environment. When my oldest was born, I left the workforce to run my own company... Read More →
In today's dynamic educational landscape, Microsoft Teams has become an indispensable tool. This session is designed to equip educators with the fundamental knowledge and practical skills to effectively utilize Teams for enhanced communication, seamless collaboration, and engaging instruction. We'll begin with an overview of Teams' key features and benefits for teaching. You'll then learn to navigate the interface, master communication tools for connecting with colleagues and students, and discover powerful strategies for sharing resources and collaborating on projects in real-time. We'll also explore the integration of OneNote Class Notebook and SharePoint. Finally, we'll delve into proven techniques for fostering virtual student engagement and address common technical challenges. Leave this session ready to harness the full potential of Microsoft Teams!
As a seasoned facilitator of knowledge and skills at Pike High School's Business and IT department for 25 years, I am passionate about empowering individuals with Microsoft Office expertise. My primary goal is to equip students with the practical skills and in-depth knowledge required... Read More →
Participants will explore various constructs linked to emotional intelligence (e.g., Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Social Awareness, Relationship Management) and implications on student performance. Relevant research-based strategies will be shared and analyzed to determine how EI can positively influence instructional delivery and increase academic and behavioral performance in the classroom setting.
Dr. Monte Tapplar Sr. currently serves as Principal at Lincoln Middle School, located in Indianapolis, Indiana. He has served in the field of education for over 20 years. Half of his career was dedicated to the roles of Music, Dance, and Theatre education at Pike High School... Read More →
This session will be focused on learning how building level discussion and district discussion is a valuable process where staff and administrators collaborate to resolve problems, create solutions, and advocate for students and teachers. This session will give educators resources and productive actions from Pike Classroom Teachers Association to assist them as they advocate for their students needs and working conditions.
Kris MacBain is the media specialist at Deer Run Elementary School. She serves as the Pike Classroom Teacher Association Vice President of Elementary and serves as the Discussion Chair for teachers. She is dedicated to advocating for teachers and encourages teachers to use their voice... Read More →
Heather Decaudin is the media specialist at Eagle Creek Elementary School. She works with teachers and advocates for teachers and students as an association representative at her school. She is eager to assist teachers find solutions to problems that they experience.
Ben Church is a resource teacher at Snacks Crossing Elementary School. He serves as the Pike Classroom Teacher Association Vice President of Membership. He is dedicated to helping teachers use their power as they advocate for the teaching profession.
AP/IB Chemistry Teacher and Project Lead The Way Introduction to Engineering Design Facilitator, MSD of Pike Township
Chris Ludy is an integrated chemistry and physics teacher and is a facilitator for Project Lead the Way Introduction to Engineering Design at Pike High School. He serves as the Pike Classroom Teacher Association President. He is dedicated to making sure that Pike employees are treated... Read More →
Participants will learn about the stages of language acquisition and the WIDA English Language Develop-ment Framewok as a basis for understanding the needs of students at varying English language Proficiency levels. That learning will be applied to diffentiation strategies for instruction and assessment oflearning, powerful learning activities to promote contant and language acquisition simultaneously, and see demonstrations of helpful tech tools. Participants will also learn oral language protocols to increase student interaction, oral language development, and collaboration. During the workshop, participants will practice strategies, use practice using tech tools for that are useful for teaching language learners. Participants will receive a Google English learners resource folder after the presentation.
I have been an educator for 30+ years serving students and schools in various capacities. I have taught grades 3-5 and 6-8 plus English/LA to students in a Saturday program in grades 9-12. I've been an instructional coach, a Title I specialist and then Director for a very large... Read More →
Gain classroom-tested strategies to help ML students develop reading skills during this two-hour session. With a focus on inference-making, visual learning, and vocabulary development grounded in the Science of Reading, educators will learn how to: Make complex text accessible through concrete visuals; Build robust vocabulary with Greek and Latin roots; and Cultivate deeper thinking skills.
Kristi McCullough, a literacy consultant with Smekens Education, is known for her practical, classroom-tested strategies that help teachers elevate reading and writing instruction. With more than 25 years of experience in education, she draws on her background as both a teacher and... Read More →
Attendees will gain the confidence to tailor their writing instruction to meet the unique needs of multilingual learners at every developmental stage, from oral to sentence-level writing. Educators will learn how to: Address essential persuasive, informative, and narrative writing skills; Align writing instruction to the Indiana Academic Standards; and Create engaging products that match your students' developmental levels, fostering confidence and success in writing.
This session will introduce key topics and strategies designed to foster strong, positive, and healthy relationships with students. By building tools that a teacher can use to grow personal connections with their students, we believe this will produce greater fruit and outcomes in student learning. When students feel deeply connected to their teacher and their classroom, then the learning begins.
I am a passionate and dedicated educator committed to teaching students in a multi-faceted/technology rich classroom setting utilizing my unique combination of education and business expertise. I have been teaching 5th grade for the past 13 years. Prior to teaching, Ms. Nickolson... Read More →
Student Family Engagement Coordinator, MSD of Pike Township
Ms. Hale has been a teacher for more than 20 years and has taught grades Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, 4th, and 5th. She has also served as Guion Creek Elementary School's Student & Family Engagement Coordinator since 2021. Ms. Hale is the proud mother of a 15 year old daughter, who is... Read More →
We will learn intentional ways to lead our teachers in choosing the best data for their PLC work to improve Tier 1 instruction. This session will be differentiated for Elementary and Secondary Levels.
Sarah Henry is a full-time District Alignment & PLC Specialist as well as Education Consultant through her company Sarah D. Henry Consulting, LLC. and Rosebrock Consulting, INC. Sarah is the co-author of, "Arrows: A Systems-Based Approach to School Leadership". She served as the Secondary... Read More →
The presentation will highlight how MTSS and RtI work collaboratively to create a positive school culture where all students receive the right support at the right time. Attendees will learn about the essential components of each framework, including tiered interventions, progress monitoring, and the role of data in decision-making.
By the end of the session, participants will have a deeper understanding of how MTSS and RtI is used in Pike Township to create a uniform, responsive and supportive educational experience for every student
District Technology Integrator, MSD of Pike Township
Audrey Cope is a District Technology Integrator in Pike Township in Indianapolis, Indiana. She taught Kindergarten and first grade for 14 years and spent 5 years as a Media Specialist at Central Elementary assisting teachers with technology training, inquiry project and developing... Read More →
Tuesday July 15, 2025 1:20pm - 3:15pm EDT PFC Library
Gain classroom-tested strategies to help ML students develop reading skills during this two-hour session. With a focus on inference-making, visual learning, and vocabulary development grounded in the Science of Reading, educators will learn how to: Make complex text accessible through concrete visuals; Build robust vocabulary with Greek and Latin roots; and Cultivate deeper thinking skills.
Kristi McCullough, a literacy consultant with Smekens Education, is known for her practical, classroom-tested strategies that help teachers elevate reading and writing instruction. With more than 25 years of experience in education, she draws on her background as both a teacher and... Read More →
In this session, teachers will be introduced to different styles of choice boards for activities to help meet the different learning styles of all their students. There are a number of different ways to create choice boards, including digital choice boards. Teachers will be shown different examples and discuss the pros and cons of each, as well as if they could or would use them in their classes. They will then have the opportunity to collaborate on creating different boards for different projects and activities. Finally we will discuss different ways to assess the results.
As an Instructional Coach, I am passionate about empowering teachers and fostering student growth. My path to becoming an Instructional Coach started with teaching computer programs to adults in a corporate environment. When my oldest was born, I left the workforce to run my own company... Read More →
Participants will explore various constructs linked to emotional intelligence (e.g., Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Social Awareness, Relationship Management) and implications on student performance. Relevant research-based strategies will be shared and analyzed to determine how EI can positively influence instructional delivery and increase academic and behavioral performance in the classroom setting.
Dr. Monte Tapplar Sr. currently serves as Principal at Lincoln Middle School, located in Indianapolis, Indiana. He has served in the field of education for over 20 years. Half of his career was dedicated to the roles of Music, Dance, and Theatre education at Pike High School... Read More →
This session will be focused on learning how building level discussion and district discussion is a valuable process where staff and administrators collaborate to resolve problems, create solutions, and advocate for students and teachers. This session will give educators resources and productive actions from Pike Classroom Teachers Association to assist them as they advocate for their students needs and working conditions.
Kris MacBain is the media specialist at Deer Run Elementary School. She serves as the Pike Classroom Teacher Association Vice President of Elementary and serves as the Discussion Chair for teachers. She is dedicated to advocating for teachers and encourages teachers to use their voice... Read More →
Heather Decaudin is the media specialist at Eagle Creek Elementary School. She works with teachers and advocates for teachers and students as an association representative at her school. She is eager to assist teachers find solutions to problems that they experience.
Ben Church is a resource teacher at Snacks Crossing Elementary School. He serves as the Pike Classroom Teacher Association Vice President of Membership. He is dedicated to helping teachers use their power as they advocate for the teaching profession.
AP/IB Chemistry Teacher and Project Lead The Way Introduction to Engineering Design Facilitator, MSD of Pike Township
Chris Ludy is an integrated chemistry and physics teacher and is a facilitator for Project Lead the Way Introduction to Engineering Design at Pike High School. He serves as the Pike Classroom Teacher Association President. He is dedicated to making sure that Pike employees are treated... Read More →
Participants will learn about the stages of language acquisition and the WIDA English Language Develop-ment Framewok as a basis for understanding the needs of students at varying English language Proficiency levels. That learning will be applied to diffentiation strategies for instruction and assessment oflearning, powerful learning activities to promote contant and language acquisition simultaneously, and see demonstrations of helpful tech tools. Participants will also learn oral language protocols to increase student interaction, oral language development, and collaboration. During the workshop, participants will practice strategies, use practice using tech tools for that are useful for teaching language learners. Participants will receive a Google English learners resource folder after the presentation.
I have been an educator for 30+ years serving students and schools in various capacities. I have taught grades 3-5 and 6-8 plus English/LA to students in a Saturday program in grades 9-12. I've been an instructional coach, a Title I specialist and then Director for a very large... Read More →
Discover how to revolutionize your teaching resources with the user-friendly Adobe Express. This interactive session will guide you through creating a variety of visually rich content, including engaging lesson materials, impactful parent communications, and opportunities for student creative expression. Learn to leverage templates, incorporate multimedia, and even collaborate on projects. Leave this session with practical skills and ideas for immediately integrating Adobe Express to enhance visual learning and communication in your classroom, regardless of your subject area.
As a seasoned facilitator of knowledge and skills at Pike High School's Business and IT department for 25 years, I am passionate about empowering individuals with Microsoft Office expertise. My primary goal is to equip students with the practical skills and in-depth knowledge required... Read More →
Attendees will gain the confidence to tailor their writing instruction to meet the unique needs of multilingual learners at every developmental stage, from oral to sentence-level writing. Educators will learn how to: Address essential persuasive, informative, and narrative writing skills; Align writing instruction to the Indiana Academic Standards; and Create engaging products that match your students' developmental levels, fostering confidence and success in writing.
Do you spend most of your instructional time redirecting students, dealing with interruptions from students, and losing your train of thought due to these challenges? Being a trauma-informed teacher is not a "cure all," but it can help teachers gain a sense of control over their classroom again. Most of the session will be focused on exactly what to do connect with all of your students to prevent frustration, for both you and your students.
Karynn Flannery has taught first grade at Central Elementary School for 8 years, and has been a teacher for over 20 years. She has a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and a master's degree in Urban Education. She is passionate about volunteering with Brooke's Place for... Read More →
