NKCES Deeper Learning Summit: Full Schedule

Welcome to the 2024 NKCES Deeper Learning Summit at the iconic National Underground Railroad Freedom Center!
Tickets are going fast- reserve your spot HERE!

8:00am EDT

Registration and Breakfast

Monday June 10, 2024 8:00am - 8:45am EDT
2nd Floor Main

8:45am EDT

Welcome and Opening Remarks

Speakers

Robb Smith

Dr. Robb Smith is a 28-year veteran of Kentucky’s public schools. He has served in numerous roles over that time, including middle school math teacher in Kenton County, middle school principal in Oldham County, Director of Secondary Education in Bullitt County, and Superintendent... Read More →

Monday June 10, 2024 8:45am - 9:15am EDT
Harriet Tubman Theatre

General Session

9:15am EDT

Opening Keynote- Reality Pedagogy: Capacities for Imaginative Teaching/Thinking

Reality Pedagogy is anchored on the basic tenet that teaching is more than just having information to disseminate to students. Research in education has indicated that professors who are qualified (via terminal degrees in their discipline) are not necessarily effective educators. Even when they have sufficient content knowledge, many still lack the tools necessary to address the cultural divides that render them ineffective. Consequently, this talk provides tools all educators can be trained in that teaches them how to address cultural divides while delivering academic content. The 7 C’s of Reality Pedagogy are: 1. Cogenerative Dialogues 2. Coteaching 3. Cosmopolitanism 4. Context 5. Content 6. Competition 7. Curation

Speakers

Chris Emdin

Dr. Christopher Emdin is the Maxine Greene Chair for Distinguished Contributions to Education and Professor of Science Education at Teachers College, Columbia University. He is also the Director of Creativity, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship At the STEAM DREAM and Ideal Lab.Dr. Emdin... Read More →

Monday June 10, 2024 9:15am - 10:15am EDT
Harriet Tubman Theatre

Equitable Systems

10:15am EDT

Break

Monday June 10, 2024 10:15am - 10:30am EDT

10:30am EDT

Activating the Common Good

Speakers

Peter Block

Peter Block is an author and citizen of Cincinnati, Ohio. He is a partner in Designed Learning, a training company that offers workshops designed to build the skills outlined in his books. His books include Flawless Consulting, Stewardship, The Answer to How Is Yes, Community, The... Read More →

Monday June 10, 2024 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT
3rd Floor Main

Community

10:30am EDT

Creating an Actively Engaged Classroom

Teachers have an incredible opportunity to affect the lives of students through effective instruction. This presentation will highlight available strategies for engaging students, many of whom have a history of failure resulting in a lack of confidence in their ability to be successful, and do not wish to be engaged.

Speakers

Todd Whitney

Todd Whitney is an Assistant Professor of Special Education in the College of Education and Human Development at the University of Louisville. He received his Ph.D. in Special Education with an emphasis in learning and behavioral disorders from the University of Louisville. He has... Read More →

Monday June 10, 2024 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT
Discovery Room 1

Instructional Design

10:30am EDT

Reading and Language Arts: Worksheets Don't Grow Dendrites

According to experts in the field, reading and language arts skills and abilities are best acquired when students are actively engaged in their own learning. This practical, highly-engaging workshop will show you how to do just that: actively engage students in learning to read at the lower grades, and reading to learn at the upper grades.

The content is structured around the standards for teaching reading and language arts. The methodology for teaching those standards comes from our 20 strategies that take advantage of the way all brains learn best. By the time the workshop is over, you will have experienced how to learn vocabulary by drawing it, role playing it, and singing it, along with how to learn comprehension skills through the use of graphic organizers, visualization, and storytelling.

Speakers

Marcia Tate

Marcia L. Tate, EdD, is the former Executive Director of Professional Development for the DeKalb County School System, Decatur, Georgia. During her 30-year career with the district, she has been a classroom teacher, reading specialist, language arts coordinator, and staff development... Read More →

Monday June 10, 2024 10:30am - 12:00pm EDT
4th Floor Office

Instructional Design

12:00pm EDT

Lunch

Monday June 10, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT
2nd Floor Main

1:00pm EDT

Q&A Session on Reality Pedagogy: Capacities for Imaginative Teaching/Thinking

Join Chris Emdin for a Q&A session on the topics discussed in his keynote address.

Speakers

Chris Emdin

Monday June 10, 2024 1:00pm - 2:25pm EDT
Harriet Tubman Theatre

Equitable Systems

1:00pm EDT

Creating an Actively Engaged Classroom

Speakers

Todd Whitney

Monday June 10, 2024 1:00pm - 2:25pm EDT
Discovery Room 1

Instructional Design

1:00pm EDT

Engaging the Brain:20 Unforgettable Strategies for Accelerating Learning

Have you ever wondered why some students cannot understand or recall important content after a 24-hour period? If your students are not learning the way you are teaching them, then you must teach them the way they learn! Experience 20 instructional strategies based on brain research and learning style theory that maximize memory and minimize forgetting. Increase learning for all students when strategies like drawing, metaphor, movement, music, and storytelling are used to teach curriculum objectives and meet international standards. Explore research that shows why these strategies are preferable to others. Ensure that brains retain key concepts – not only for tests, but for life! This workshop has been called both professionally and personally life-changing and lots of fun!

Speakers

Marcia Tate

Monday June 10, 2024 1:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
4th Floor Office

Instructional Design

2:35pm EDT

Innovating Together: Transformative Education Across Kentucky

Join us for a session that showcases Kentucky’s commitment to redefine education through the United We Learn vision. Dive into innovative district strategies for personalized learning, assessment advancements, and community collaboration. Explore how challenges are addressed with inclusive solutions in Local Laboratories of Learning (L3) communities, including Portrait of a Learner and local accountability models, to create a learner-centered education system. Learn about the statewide progress towards Kentucky’s bold, innovative future in education

Speakers

Sarah Snipes

Sarah Snipes is the Program Manager for the Kentucky Department of Education’s Division of Innovation, where she plays a role in promoting deeper learning and fostering transformative educational practices across the state. Her dedication is centered around supporting districts... Read More →

Monday June 10, 2024 2:35pm - 4:00pm EDT
3rd Floor Main

Assessment & Accountability

2:35pm EDT

Priority, Choice, and Distinction

Participants in this workshop will apply a critical lens to the systems and traditions that perpetuate inequity in our schools, diminishing the possibility of innovative practices.

Speakers

Robb Smith

Monday June 10, 2024 2:35pm - 4:00pm EDT
4th Floor Office

Equitable Systems

2:35pm EDT

The (Im)Perfect Classroom

In an effort to better capture and celebrate the wealth of knowledge and expertise of teachers across the state, I set out to interview and observe educators from every corner of Kentucky. The process was simple: find teachers who create classrooms where kids want to be, get to know them and bear witness to what makes them special, then celebrate that experience. It is my theory that every single school in Kentucky has teachers that I can learn from and are worth celebrating. None of these teachers are perfect, but through their imperfections they all have something special they contribute to their students and their community. I hope by sharing my experience with these teachers, our communities can have a window into our classrooms and other teachers can begin to embrace their own [im]Perfect Classrooms.

Speakers

Kevin Dailey

As a child, Kevin Dailey had hopes of being an architect, someone who would take an idea and forge it into something that would last forever. He wanted to use his natural creativity and imagination to bring the abstract into reality and make the world a more beautiful place for everyone... Read More →

Monday June 10, 2024 2:35pm - 4:00pm EDT
Discovery Room 1

Instructional Design

2:35pm EDT

You Can Call Me Al: Unpacking the Robot in your Classroom

Ever tried explaining artificial intelligence to a fifth-grader? Come learn some practical ways to break down AI for both students, teachers, and trainers alike. Whether you work with primary teachers or higher ed, come for some real-world classroom examples, stay for the insightful answers to common teacher questions and concerns about AI. You'll hear real classroom stories and get answers to common concerns about AI in education. Leave empowered with strategies that you can implement immediately into your classroom.

Speakers

Donnie Piercey

Donnie Piercey is the 2021 Kentucky Teacher of the Year and teaches fourth grade in Lexington, Kentucky. After graduating from Asbury College and earning his master’s from Auburn Montgomery, he has been teaching in Kentucky since 2007. Donnie specializes in using technology to promote... Read More →

Monday June 10, 2024 2:35pm - 4:00pm EDT
Discovery Room 2

Instructional Design

8:00am EDT

Breakfast

Tuesday June 11, 2024 8:00am - 8:30am EDT
2nd Floor Main

8:30am EDT

Giving Back: Extending Corporate Values Into Your Community

While the practice of Corporate Social Responsibility galvanized the business world years ago, companies and organizations continue to voluntarily increase the steps they take to improve the quality of life for their communities and society at large. Employees play a key role in community-based initiatives, but more importantly have an innate desire to be part of something bigger than themselves. Liz Murray’s inspirational story challenges the audience to recognize the opportunity we each have to make a lasting contribution on another person’s life. Employees will find themselves re-charged and ready to step-up as community leaders.

Speakers

Liz Murray

From homeless to Harvard...it is an unlikely turn of events. Liz Murray’s life is a triumph over adversityand a stunning example of the importance of dreaming big. Murray was raised in the Bronx by two lovingbut drug-addicted parents. She grew up in poverty, often without enough... Read More →

Tuesday June 11, 2024 8:30am - 10:00am EDT
Harriet Tubman Theatre

Equitable Systems

8:30am EDT

The Artisan Teacher

The Artisan Teacher is an ongoing study of the most recurring pedagogical approaches of particularly successful teachers. Based on more than 40,000 classroom observations, the 23 Artisan Themes represent a comprehensive lexicon of terms that describe the core skills of excellent instruction. The Artisan Teacher is designed to develop the craft of teaching by enabling teachers to identify and hone their most productive skills—and, to add new, complementary, skills to their repertoire. The Artisan Teacher is also designed to be an aid to administrators, instructional coaches, college professors, and anyone who is engaged in the learning and development of teachers and teaching.

Speakers

Mike Rutherford

Mike Rutherford provides high-value training and development experiences for educators through his work as a teacher, speaker, author, and consultant. Mike’s work focuses on high-performance teaching and learning, leadership development, creating and leading team-based organizations... Read More →

Tuesday June 11, 2024 8:30am - 10:00am EDT
3rd Floor Main

Instructional Design

8:30am EDT

A Paradigm Shift: Trauma-Informed Education

In this transformative professional learning session, educators delve into trauma-informed practices, enhancing their understanding and skill set in supporting students affected by trauma. Through interactive workshops, participants explore the neurobiological impact of trauma, recognizing signs of distress, and fostering a safe learning environment. Guided by trauma-sensitive strategies, educators learn to adapt their teaching methods, promote resilience, and cultivate empathy. The presenter will share real-life experiences, empowering educators to implement trauma-informed approaches effectively. Collaborative discussions and reflective exercises encourage introspection and collaboration, fostering a community committed to nurturing the holistic well-being of every student and adult.

Speakers

Matthew Portell

Mathew Portell utilizes his experience as an educator, administrator, podcaster, writer, and international speaker to impact education globally as an innovator and pioneer of trauma-informed education. As principal of Fall-Hamilton Elementary in Nashville, TN, he utilized the most... Read More →

Tuesday June 11, 2024 8:30am - 11:30am EDT
4th Floor Office

Equitable Systems

10:00am EDT

The (Im)Perfect Classroom

Speakers

Kevin Dailey

Tuesday June 11, 2024 10:00am - 11:30am EDT
Discovery Room 1

Instructional Design

10:00am EDT

The Artisan Teacher

Speakers

Mike Rutherford

Tuesday June 11, 2024 10:00am - 11:30am EDT
3rd Floor Main

Instructional Design

10:00am EDT

You Can Call Me Al: Unpacking the Robot in your Classroom

Speakers

Donnie Piercey

Tuesday June 11, 2024 10:00am - 11:30am EDT
Discovery Room 2

Instructional Design

11:30am EDT

Innovative Teacher Awards Luncheon

Tuesday June 11, 2024 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT

General Session

12:30pm EDT

Student Panel: Ballyshannon Middle School, Exploring Defenses of Learning

Join us for an informative session where middle school students from Ballyshannon Middle School take the spotlight to showcase their understanding around Defenses of Learning.

In this presentation, students will share their personal experiences, anecdotes, and insights into how they prepared for their 8th grade DOL. They will also share resources they utilized, highlight their google sites and give a demonstration of what a DOL could look like. Don't miss this opportunity to hear directly from the experts—middle school students themselves—as they share their wisdom and insights on Defenses of Learning.

Tuesday June 11, 2024 12:30pm - 1:30pm EDT
Discovery Room 1

Assessment & Accountability

12:30pm EDT

Student Panel: Beechwood Independent Schools, Exploring Defenses of Learning

Come learn from Beechwood ambassadors about the EDGE program and how experiential learning in partnership with businesses and universities prepares K-12 students for the future! These ambassadors will showcase how they engage in Defenses of Learning to provide evidence of growth and showcase their depth of learning!

Tuesday June 11, 2024 12:30pm - 1:30pm EDT
Harriet Tubman Theatre

Assessment & Accountability

12:30pm EDT

Student Panel: Mental Health Awareness

Join us for a profound exploration into the critical intersection of mental health and education. In a groundbreaking session, students from the region will take center stage to share their unique perspectives, experiences, and insights into the complex landscape of mental well-being among their peers. From navigating stress and anxiety to combating stigma and fostering resilience, these courageous young voices will illuminate the challenges and triumphs of addressing mental health within educational environments. Through their stories and reflections, attendees will gain invaluable understanding and inspiration to foster supportive, inclusive communities where every student can thrive emotionally and academically. Don't miss this transformative dialogue that promises to redefine the conversation surrounding mental health in education.

Tuesday June 11, 2024 12:30pm - 1:30pm EDT
3rd Floor Main

Community

12:30pm EDT

Student Panel: Ryle High School Unified Sports

"Unified is so much more than Sports!"

Unified Champion Schools are about inclusion in classes, clubs, and sports - they even have robotics programs for unified pairs to try out! (Unified pairs are students with and without intellectual disabilities who work together to learn about and promote inclusion, teamwork, and friendship!)

Ryle High School was the fifth in the state of KY to be recognized with a UCS National Banner from the UCS/Special Olympics collaboration - thanks to their staff and students who participate in Club U, Unified Sports like track, bowling, bocce ball, and more, Peer Tutoring classes, adapted P.E., and who are leaders in every aspect!

Tuesday June 11, 2024 12:30pm - 1:30pm EDT
4th Floor Office

Equitable Systems

12:30pm EDT

Student Panel: Caywood Elementary, From Idea to Innovation: Elementary Students Share Their Journey Through Project Based Learning

Dive into the world of project-based learning with our young engineers as they demonstrate how they turn ideas into real-life innovations. Through hands-on activities and interactive discussions, participants will gain insight into the various stages of the engineering process and witness the transformative impact it has on young minds. Prepare to be inspired by the ingenuity and determination of these budding innovators!

Tuesday June 11, 2024 12:30pm - 1:30pm EDT
Discovery Room 2

Instructional Design

1:30pm EDT

Break

Tuesday June 11, 2024 1:30pm - 1:45pm EDT

1:45pm EDT

Closing Keynote: From Homeless to Harvard

A story so powerful it was made into a movie, Liz Murray shares her fascinating, inspirational story of growing up with two drug addicted parents who she began supporting at age 10. Homeless at age 15, the death of her mother was the wake-up call that made her break free of her circumstances and pursue a different path for her life. While living on the streets of New York, she completed and graduated from high school in just two years. Overcoming horrible odds, she won a full scholarship and was accepted to Harvard University. Murray offers one of the most moving, elegant and uplifting tales you will ever hear.

Speakers

Liz Murray

Tuesday June 11, 2024 1:45pm - 2:45pm EDT
Harriet Tubman Theatre

General Session