PETERBOROUGH, N.H., April 8, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Staff Development for Educators (SDE), one of the nation's leading providers of professional development for K-12 educators, is pleased to announce its 2014 Power Up! pre-conference, taking place July 7, 2014, in Las Vegas.
This one-day professional development event, now in its fourth year, shows K–6 educators how to embrace technology as a daily instructional tool. It offers an intimate and friendly environment where educators can comfortably learn, explore, and practice new strategies and how they might work best in their own classrooms. Low- and super-techie teachers alike are invited to attend and learn fresh new, new ways to teach effectively with technology and integrate it into their classrooms.
"Technology is rapidly changing how teachers teach and students learn. It will never replace the power of a skilled teacher. However, it is an essential conduit for closing the achievement gap, improving the quality of classroom instruction, and increasing student achievement," says Beth Brousseau, program planner.
Many teachers feel underprepared to add technology to their classrooms. "They feel behind the technology curve and unsure how to catch up. Power Up! eases their anxiety while building their skills and confidence exponentially," adds Brousseau.
The 2014 program will highlight the most effective teaching strategies behind the technology to step up rigor in daily lessons. Attendees will learn what technology-enhanced instruction looks like and how a tool or app can move students toward deeper learning and understanding. Just as important, the program will help teachers meet Common Core requirements by showing them how to integrate technology into their instruction and build digital media skills in young students.
"It's so easy to get lost in a sea of gadgets, gizmos, bells, and whistles. Teachers are wondering which really are the quality tools that will help them meet instructional expectations. In one day, Power Up! sorts through the clutter for them, ensuring they don't waste precious dollars or make time-consuming mistakes."
A huge draw is the all-star team of presenters with national reputations and the appeal of educators teaching educators. The Power Up! featured speakers don't just talk about technology, but they use it every day in classrooms. "Attendees can count on real and relevant ideas from real teachers for real classrooms teaching real students," declares Brousseau.
Back by popular demand, the energetic Lori Elliott, Ed.D., will present two practical sessions based on the themes of her popular books. She is the author of Accidental Techie to the Rescue: Management Tools for Today's Busy Teachers, Teach Like a Techie and Teach Like a Techie with Apps.
Lisa Johnson, Apple Distinguished Educator and TechChef4 blogger, will lead a confidence-building, hands-on introduction to the iPad®. It is designed to get newbies up-to-speed fast on opportunities for learning in the palm of their hand.
The 2013 EdWeek Leader to Learn From Kyle Pace will deliver the opening keynote entitled Celebrating and Sharing the (Not So) Small Stuff. Kyle is a Google-Certified Teacher, honoree at the 1st Bammy Awards, and recognized as one of the top 100 educational bloggers/tweeters in the country.
Rounding on this year's lineup of speakers is Erin Klein who will examine how technology can help teachers address the ELA Common Core State Standards. Erin is co-technology chair of the Michigan Reading Association, member of the National Writing Project, and popular Kleinspiration.com blogger.
"The evolving nature of technology requires all teachers to become lifelong learners," says Brosseau. "We have attendees who return each year because they know they'll get the most concise and current classroom technology update along with the newest and freshest tools for creating technology-based learning experiences that engage students and instill 21st century skills."
Power Up! is a pre-conference event offered by SDE to attendees of the National Conference on Singapore Math and the National Conference on Differentiated Instruction. The in-depth, content-rich, and grade-specific sessions are tied to the Common Core and address the key areas of literacy, math, science, social studies, 21st century skills, management and more. Teachers learn how to embrace technology as a daily tool for improving instruction, differentiation, motivation, and expression.
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.