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.
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
Teachers will create a Classroom Management Action Plan that will fit their style of teaching and their students' needs. Action Plan will include: -Teach Everything: Routines & Procedures -Ways/What to Reinforce -Trauma Informed Practices & Strategies -Strategies to Continue Building Relationships
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 1:00pm - 3:00pm PDT PLC (2nd Floor)2490 Hilborn Road, Fairfield, CA, USA
Need a way to build writing fluency with students? Join A3WP teacher leader Michelle Voelker to learn how a 10 minute per day writing routine will help students not only build writing fluency, but gets them thinking critically about everything from craft, to current events, and more. Daily themes help students know what to expect and track their growth as the year progresses. During this design lab, participants will create their own 10 minute writing routines that can be implemented in their own classrooms.
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 1:00pm - 3:00pm PDT Board Room2490 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
