Events

This workshop will be held at Mascoutah # 19 421 W. Harnett Mascoutah, IL 62258. Join Mascoutah High School # 19 Instructional Coach Tara Sulcer as you take your social studies instruction to the next level with this engaging and practical professional development session! Designed for educators who want to deepen student inquiry, critical thinking, and writing skills, this course will provide hands-on strategies for effectively integrating Document-Based Questions (DBQs) into your curriculum.  Participants will explore the DBQ process step by step, with a focus on scaffolding historical thinking, developing strong analytical writing, and guiding students through the Gradual Release of Responsibility model. You’ll leave with ready-to-use resources, instructional techniques, and a clear framework for helping students engage with primary and secondary sources in meaningful ways. Whether you're new to DBQs or looking to refine your approach, this session will equip you with the tools and confidence to make document analysis an integral part of your classroom. Attendees should bring a fully charged device, registration closes 4-5 days prior to the event date unless tickets are sold out.  

Jim Kestner, nationally recognized for his youth character development programs, will present practical, hands-on strategies for implementing SEL (Social Emotional Learning) Standards that help you prepare students for success in the real world through activities and perspectives that won't require you to devote unrealistic amounts of time.  The session will provide opportunities for you to identify topics most relevant to your circumstances. Here's a sample of issues we will address together:

• Connecting the SEL Standards to your current curriculum
• Empowering students to overcome setbacks that threaten their success
• Equipping students with practical strategies to navigate complex interpersonal interactions
• Improving students' conflict management skills
• Teaching real methods for making individaul students accountable for group success
• Teaching perspective taking as a means of enhancing student empathy
• Identifying perspectives for healthy and unhealthy tolerance
• Coping with differences that impact opportunity and fairness (appearance, means, ability, status, etc.)
• Engaging students in meaningful processes for addressing negative behaviors and attitudes