Teacher-Researcher Conference

On May 5th, the Triad Teacher Researchers will host their first annual conference. For more information about this ambitious group, visit their website. I am excited to attend the conference tonight and plan to live-blog the sessions I attend. Here's the schedule:
6pm Welcome and opening talk by Amy Vetter and Elizabeth Chiseri-Strater
6:30 Optimal Foreign Language Scheduling in Elementary School with Morgan Sharp
7:15 Modern Poetry as a Craft with Katie Roquemore
8:00 Paidiea Seminars and Critical Thinking with Matthew Frillici
8:45 Closing and door prizes

I'm putting the first two sessions together in one live blog. I'll put the others down a little lower in this same post. Please, please feel free to join in the conversation, ask a question, make an observation, etc.

Morgan Sharp's Session


Modern Poetry:



Paidiea Seminars and Critical Thinking

Stephen Farmer on College Admissions

Steve Farmer is the provost at UNC Chapel Hill and director of undergraduate admissions.

IRSHAD MANJI Friday, 6pm Eastern

Courage in a Time of Corruption

The New York Times calls Irshad Manji “Osama bin Laden’s worst nightmare.” Oprah Winfrey gave her the first annual Chutzpah Award for “audacity, nerve, boldness, and conviction.” Manji, director of the Moral Courage Project at New York University, accepts both as compliments. The project develops young leaders who will challenge conformity and champion creativity, including reform-minded Muslims. She is the internationally bestselling author of The Trouble with Islam Today: A Muslim’s Call for Reform in Her Faith. In those countries that have banned her book, Manji is reaching readers by posting free translations on her popular blog. In just over a year, the Arabic translation has been downloaded 300,000 times and circulated by youth throughout the Middle East. She created the acclaimed PBS documentary, Faith Without Fear, which follows her journey to reconcile Islam with freedom and human rights. For her pioneering work, Manji receives both death threats and distinctions: The World Economic Forum has selected her as a Young Global Leader; The European Foundation for Democracy has made her a Senior Scholar; and The Jakarta Post in Indonesia — the world’s largest Muslim country — identifies Manji as one of three Muslim women creating positive change in Islam today.

Releasing the Power of Teachers through Lesson Study and Coaching. Friday 4:30 Eastern

I'm intrigued by this one, especially since both the presenters are associated with lab schools. Another snippet: "powerful methodologies that provide teachers the opportunity to reflect on and deepen their practice. Both approaches will be presented from the perspective of implementation in schools, including time for participant interaction."

Smart by Nature

Smart By Nature

Here's the bit of the description that caught my attention: Ways to use principles of ecological literacy in food programs, campus facilities, and innovative curriculum development. Great looking lineup of presenters on this one too: Carolie Sly, Center for Ecoliteracy (CA) , Crystal Land, The Head-Royce School (CA) , Mark Stefanski, Marin Academy (CA) , Paul Chapman, The Head-Royce School (CA) , Zenobia Barlow, Center for Ecoliteracy (CA)

Juan Enriquez As the Future Catches You Friday 12:30 Eastern

Juan Enriquez
Friday, February 26, 9:30 – 11:00 AM
As the Future Catches You — The Impact of the Genetic, Digital, and Knowledge Revolutions

Juan Enriquez is one of the world’s foremost authorities on how the extraordinary advances in the life sciences are changing the way we live and do business. He also has an important message for political and business leaders about how to compete effectively in the world’s knowledge economy as the digital and genomic revolu­tions create the wealth of the future. Enriquez is the author of the global bestseller, As the Future Catches You, an analysis of the impact of genomics on business and society; and The Untied States of America, which explores why, as technology advances, some countries are successful while others disappear. A fine speaker with invaluable insight into which advances in the life sciences will matter to your organization and industry — and why, Enriquez will show how to turn the life science revolution to your advantage. The founding director of Harvard Business School’s Life Sciences Project, Enriquez is currently a managing director of Excel Venture Management, investing in innovative medical companies. Fast Company named him one of their Fast 50 for 2005. He holds bachelor's and MBA degrees from Harvard University, with honors. View a clip of one of Enriquez’s outstanding speeches at http://www.poptech.org/juanenriquez.

Peter Gow, The Intentional Teacher Friday 11am Eastern

Peter Gow, The Intentional Teacher

The Intentional Teacher: Better Teaching through School-Teacher Dialogue
A thoughtful and responsive professional culture allows independent school teachers to build meaningful careers and lives. This presentation will offer specific and practical ideas for developing institutional environments in which teachers can maximize their professional potential for the school and students while meeting their own needs and aspirations.
PRESENTER: Peter Gow, Beaver Country Day School (MA)