The University of Florida Literacy Institute (UFLI) Foundations program is an effective way for students to develop literacy skills using a multi-sensory approach. It is research and evidence based and follows an explicit phonics sequence that builds a foundation for reading success.
My name is Melody Williams and I am currently a Literacy Specialist at Sheldon Academy of Innovative Learning. I have been a teacher in FSUSD for the past 12 years. Prior to becoming a Literacy Specialist I worked at KI Jones Elementary School. While at KI Jones I taught 6th grade... Read More →
I taught first grade for 7 years at two Title I schools in FSUSD. For the past three years I have been a District Literacy Specialist serving many schools.
Friday August 8, 2025 8:30am - 9:30am PDT PLC (2nd Floor)2490 Hilborn Road, Fairfield, CA, USA
This session will focus on utilizing the Backward Design framework, an approach to lesson and unit planning that starts with defining the desired outcomes and then works backward to create a path to those goals. For instance, let’s say students are studying photosynthesis. Before the teacher plans any activities, they first determine what students should be able to demonstrate at the end of the unit. In this case, let’s imagine students will create a poster explaining the process of photosynthesis and its significance to ecosystems. With this goal in mind, the teacher can then design lessons and activities that will guide students toward successfully completing their poster.
The session will begin with an overview of the Backward Design framework, followed by an opportunity for teachers to apply what they’ve learned by designing their own lesson plans.
Want to increase the number of books students read in a year? Come join A3WP teacher leader Michelle Voelker as she walks participants through book tasting to get students started. Follow the tasting with book club units that build on the momentum of independent reading and watch kids flourish as they analyze novels, discuss their reading authentically, and transfer all their learning into various writing assignments.
Michelle Voelker is an English teacher at a Title I school in Sacramento, CA. She is an A3WP teacher leader, providing workshops on literacy practices in the classroom. Before becoming a teacher, Michelle was an AmeriCorps member for a program that provided reading intervention on... Read More →
Friday August 8, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am PDT Board Room2490 Hilborn Road, Fairfield, CA, USA
Consulting Teacher, Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District
As a former classroom teacher now serving as a Consulting Teacher, I have the privilege of supporting and mentoring the newest educators in our district. I’m deeply committed to helping teachers thrive by equipping them with practical strategies and a reflective, supportive environment... Read More →
Friday August 8, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT PLC (2nd Floor)2490 Hilborn Road, Fairfield, CA, USA
Your students have learned their lines.
They’re showing up to the rehearsal room ready to speak.
But now, it’s time to direct the scene.
In this session, we’ll move beyond getting students talking—we’ll focus on getting them thinking deeper.
What kinds of questions push students beyond recall and into analysis, debate, and reflection?
How do we help students truly engage with one another’s thinking—and with the grade-level standards?
Just like a great director guides actors to uncover the story’s depth, we’ll explore how to guide students to uncover the meaning behind their content.
You’ve built the rehearsal space—now let’s shape the performance.
Join us for the next act of academic discourse.
Consulting Teacher, Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District
Christina Geyer is an experienced educator, instructional coach, and school leader with over a decade of service in diverse California school districts. She currently serves as a Consulting Teacher for Fairfield-Suisun Unified, where she mentors and coaches early-career educators... Read More →
Friday August 8, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT Room 324 (3rd Floor)2490 Hilborn Road, Fairfield, CA, USA
Discover how to leverage free AI tools like ChatGPT, MagicSchool, and others to transform district-approved curriculum into more engaging, accessible, and time-saving lessons tailored to your students' needs. In this session, we will explore how to use AI programs in tandem to modify and enhance a district-approved lesson or unit, making it more effective for diverse learners.
History and Art Teacher, Matt Garcia Career and College Academy
I’m an educator with a passion for making learning more accessible and engaging for all students. With a Master of Education in Innovative Learning, I’ve focused on how emerging technologies—especially AI—can support teachers in transforming lessons to better meet student... Read More →
Friday August 8, 2025 1:00pm - 3:00pm PDT Room 319 (3rd Floor)2490 Hilborn Road, Fairfield, CA, USA
Quaver Music teachers will become familiar with basic navigation of the Quaver curriculum. Next, teachers will learn how to turn an existing Quaver lesson into a custom lesson to better meet the needs of their students.
I am currently an elementary music and band teacher at Laurel Creek Elementary School. I graduated from the University of the Pacific and earned a Master's Degree from CSU, Stanislaus. I started teaching in 1988 in Stanislaus County, and then transferred to F-SUSD in 2000. I have... Read More →
Friday August 8, 2025 1:00pm - 3:00pm PDT Room 102 (First Floor)2490 Hilborn Road, Fairfield, CA, USA
