NW Center PLS - Mercer County ESC

MERCER COUNTY ESC PROFESSIONAL LEARNING CONFERENCE

The Mercer County Professional Learning Conference will allow our participants to participate in a personalized learning experience! The 2024 Professional Learning Conference will offer an in-person keynote experience with Thomas Murray, collaboration time, resource exploration, and various in-person and on-demand breakout and independent study sessions. Upon arrival at the host district, be sure to find a representative from your district at the sign-in table to receive the day's materials.

Please contact Wendi Moorman for more information

Personal and Authentic Book Study 24/25

Text and Materials Needed: Personal & Authentic: Designing Learning Experiences that Impact a Lifetime by Thomas C. Murray (ISBN: 9781948334198)
Access to Google Classroom

Overview

As an educator, you have the power to leave a legacy by…

Making students’ learning experiences personal and authentic
Ensuring that the culture around you is personal and authentic
Developing and nurturing personal and authentic relationships
Being personal and authentic

In Personal and Authentic, Thomas C. Murray reveals the power of designing awe-inspiring experiences that are grounded in relationships and learner-centered by design. Inherent and contextualized, this kind of learning lasts a lifetime.

The book study will occur remotely on Google Classroom. Some assignments will be collaborative, but all will be asynchronous. You will be expected to read a chapter and complete a task corresponding to the chapter.

Questions: Contact Wendi Moorman at wendi.moorman@mercercountyesc.org

**Dates: 8/1/2024 TO 7/1/2025

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Differentiation for Gifted Learners: Going Beyond the Basics 24/25

This professional development series is designed to equip Ohio educators with the latest strategies and tools for supporting students with dyslexia. Participants will work through the Learning Management System (LMS) modules to explore the nature of dyslexia and understand the challenges dyslexic learners face. Participants will receive a student guide that will provide structure, tools, and resources to complete all 11 modules and provide support to complete the knowledge checks, quizzes, and posttest. We will delve into supporting these students, including multi-sensory instruction and explicit phonics instruction. By the end of this series, participants will have a deeper understanding of dyslexia and be equipped with practical strategies for supporting all learners in their classrooms.

Questions: Contact Wendi Moorman

Dates:

5/13/2024 TO 8/31/25

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5 Practices for Orchestrating Productive Mathematical Discussion

The 5 Practices for Orchestrating Productive Mathematics Discussions framework offers educators a structured approach to planning and leading effective mathematical discussions that foster deep student understanding. These practices—anticipating possible student responses, monitoring students as they work, selecting specific strategies to highlight, sequencing those strategies purposefully, and connecting ideas to emphasize key mathematical concepts—provide a roadmap for creating dynamic, student-centered learning environments. By integrating these practices, teachers can harness student thinking as a resource, guide productive dialogue, and help students make meaningful connections in mathematics.

Questions: Contact Wendi Moorman

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Go See the Principal: True Tales from the School Trenches, BookStudy 24/25

Go See the Principal: True Tales from the School Trenches by Gerry Brooks offers a humorous and heartfelt look at the realities of working in education. From his extensive experience as an elementary school principal and his widespread online presence as an educator and storyteller, Brooks provides a candid glimpse into the challenges, triumphs, and absurdities educators face daily.

Brooks tackles various topics through relatable anecdotes, witty observations, and practical advice, from navigating challenging parent-teacher relationships and managing staff dynamics to embracing the joys and frustrations of working with students. His insights are grounded in humor and empathy, making the book entertaining and inspiring for teachers, administrators, and anyone involved in education.

With a perfect blend of levity and wisdom, Go See the Principal celebrates the resilience of educators and offers encouragement to stay focused on what matters most—positively impacting students' lives. It’s a must-read for anyone seeking laughter, camaraderie, and a fresh perspective on the school trenches.

Questions: Contact Wendi Moorman

Dyslexia Training: Breaking Barriers to Enhance Reading 24/25

After the course is complete, participants will be asked to complete the LMS Post Assessment. In this feedback survey, they will have to write a reflection, research tools, and resources to upload and share on the Padlet and provide feedback and input on the ongoing learning needed to sustain professional learning.

Questions: Contact Wendi Moorman

**Dates: 8/1/2024 to 7/1/2025

There is a $200 fee for districts that are not fully aligned with the Mercer County ESC. Please contact Wendi Moorman for more information

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Making Differentiation a Habit: How to Ensure Success in Academically Diverse Classroom 24/25

An interactive book study using Google Classroom, along with the book Making Differentiation a Habit-How to Ensure Success in Academically Diverse Classrooms by Dian Heacox. EdD

Students will read each chapter throughout the book study and complete reflections and assignments. Posts will demonstrate an understanding of the content of the text and supplemental materials. Project completion will demonstrate mastery of the practical application of differentiation in their classrooms.

Questions: Contact Wendi Moorman

Dates: 9/1/2024 to 8/20/2025

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50 STRATEGIES TO BOOST COGNITIVE ENGAGEMENT 24-25

Rebecca Stobaugh

8 Week Book Study

Description: This is an interactive book study using Google Classroom and the book 50 Strategies to Boost Cognitive Engagement by Rebecca Stobaugh.

Participants will:

Gain an understanding of the concepts of critical thinking and cognitive engagement, as well as the relationship between the two
Study the thinking levels in Bloom’s revised taxonomy, the cognitive processes associated with those levels, and how they establish a path to high-level thinking
Choose among gift effective instructional strategies that encourage critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and media literacy in the classroom Successful participants will earn 30 HQPD Contact Hours in Gifted Education.

Expectations and Goals

Students will read each chapter throughout the book study and complete reflections and assignments.
Posts will demonstrate an understanding of the content of the text and supplemental materials.
Project completion will demonstrate mastery of the practical application of strategies in their classrooms.

Course Materials: Required Text

● 50 Strategies to Boost Cognitive Engagement by Rebecca Stobaugh (ISBN: 978-1-947604-77-3)

● Access to Google Classroom

Contact Wendi Moorman for Classroom Code: wendi.moorman@mercercountyesc.org

Dates: 9/1/2024 TO 8/20/2025