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Culturally ResponsiveEquity, Diversity, InclusionLeadershipProfessional LearningTCEA Convention & Exposition

TCEA22 Extended Series: An Interview with Ken Shelton

by Emily Horn
written by Emily Horn

Just because TCEA 2022 has ended doesn’t mean that we can’t keep it alive for as long as possible! Allow me to introduce you to the “TCEA22 Extended Series,” where we can celebrate the spirit of TCEA 2022 and some of the relevant topics that were covered by amazing thought leaders.

In this monthly series, I’ll feature an interview with a different Thought Leader from TCEA 2022. To begin, let’s get acquainted (or re-acquainted) with the wonderful Ken Shelton. I had the pleasure of interviewing him back in November 2021. What a great guy to get to know! We talked about everything from Ken’s start in education to surfing, his dad, culturally responsive teaching, technology, storytelling, the importance of self-care, and so much more. You can watch and listen to our interview below.

Find more information about Ken, including his resources, on his website. And be sure to follow him on Twitter.

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Professional LearningTCEA Convention & Exposition

Planning Your Time at TCEA 2022

by Lori Gracey
written by Lori Gracey

If you are one of the fortunate ones who will be attending the TCEA 2022 Convention & Exposition in just 18 days, it’s time to start planning out your schedule. With more than 700 different sessions being offered and 400 fabulous exhibiting companies to visit, you’re going to be busy, VERY busy. So here are a few tips to help you maximize your learning time while at the event.

What’s Your Focus, Your Objective?

A first-timer at convention will be a little overwhelmed by all of the choices to be made and may scurry from session to session randomly. While this will get you a ton of ed tech tips and tricks, it may not lead to deeper learning or help solve a problem your students or campus face. A veteran attendee will know that there needs to be a focus and objective to get the most out of the learning.

So what will you focus on this year? Is there a particular subject area you want to discover more resources for? Is there a specific group of students, like ESL, G/T, or special needs, you want to amp up your lessons for and better assist? Are you looking for the latest brain research and best practices in teaching, coaching, or leadership to further develop your own skillset? Do you want to fine tune your use of a device like a Surface Tablet, Chromebook, or iPad? Do you hope to meet up with some of the people you follow on Twitter and ask them your questions? Are there new educational technology products you want to see and learn more about?

Determine your focus and write it down. Yes, I know that writing it down seems silly. But it will be very easy to get off track with all of the amazing resources available to you at convention. Write it down and stick to it. And, by the way, you can have two objectives, but probably not more than that.

(FYI: If you have the full convention registration, you’ll also have access to the online sessions packages on Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) and Bridging the Learning Gap. Since these are all recorded sessions, you can watch them at your leisure over the next month. No need to include them in your planning now.)

The Tools You’ll Need

Now that you know what you’re looking for, you’ll need to gather some resources. The first tool you’ll need is the TCEA app, available for Android and iOS. There’s also a desktop version, which I recommend using initially for planning purposes. Open it up and use the email address you registered for convention with to log in. (Note: If you cannot log in, it may be because your registration has not yet been paid. You can contact registration@tcea.org to check.)

The next tool you will need is the full session list. While you can see and read about all of the sessions in the app, it is not the fastest tool for searching out specific types of sessions that match your focus/objective. It’s really designed to use once you are onsite at convention.

TCEA 2022

Viewing Sessions by Role

You’ll see several useful resources on the left-hand side of the session list website. Take a look first at the Sessions by Role link, which will bring up a list of job titles. These contain recommended sessions by your peers for each educational position from librarian to superintendent to CTE teacher and more. If you are looking to further your skillset or grow into a new position, this is your best place to start.

Viewing Sessions by Topic

The Sessions by Topic list will bring up a list of all of the sessions (meetups, workshops, posters, etc.) on a particular topic, like blended learning, math, or STEAM. If you’re looking to address a particular educational need, help a subpopulation of students, or find more resources for a content area, this is where you should start.

(Now you can see why you need to start with your objective in attending the convention; there is just so much!)

Search and Filter the Session List

Finally, you may want to learn more about a specific tool. Besides meeting with the vendor of that tool in the huge Exhibit Hall, you can also filter the list of sessions by using the Search/Filter link.

The search tool is really powerful here, which is why I recommend you use it online for initial planning and not in the app. You can search in a ton of ways, whether you’re looking for a specific speaker you want to learn from or a tool like Wakelet or Flipgrid or a particular grade span.

Simply type in your search term and wait; it takes a few seconds to go through all of the sessions. Then the results will show up below the filter. If you want to do another search, click the Clear button and enter your next search term. Once you find a session you want to attend, temporarily copy and paste its title into a Word or Google document.

Adding Sessions to Your Schedule

To add the golden sessions that you’ve found to your schedule, you must be in either the desktop or mobile version of the app. I suggest opening a tab on your desktop or laptop so that you can toggle between your Word or Google document and the app.

  1. Log in to the app.
  2. Click on Plan Your Event on the left.
  3. Then, click on Schedule.
  4. Copy and paste the title of one of your selected sessions into the search bar and click Filter.
  5. When it shows up, click the title bar and then Select Session to add it to your personal schedule.

Continue this process until all of your desired sessions are added to your schedule. And note that you can Add an Appointment to your schedule as well. This is great for meeting up with friends, setting aside time to walk the Exhibit Hall, or just relaxing and recharging.

And Don’t Forget…

Part of the power of TCEA lies in its members. And convention is the perfect time to catch up with some of the awesome educators who are changing students’ lives every day. Schedule some time to chat with an old friend, and make sure you include time to meet some new ones. They’ll make the learning all the better!

There’s still time to register for a TCEA 2022 Full Convention Badge, One-Day Badge, or Exhibit Hall Only Badge. You can also purchase one, or both, of the online sessions packages if you can’t attend in person!

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MicrosoftMicrosoft Tips and TricksProfessional LearningTCEA Convention & Exposition

Join Microsoft at TCEA 2022

by Microsoft Education Team
written by Microsoft Education Team

Today, technology plays a fundamental role in almost every area of our lives – including the ways we teach and learn. Over the past few years, we’ve seen its impact make education more dynamic, accessible, and inclusive for students around the world. 

Join Microsoft at the 2022 TCEA Convention and Exposition, where we will host sessions on a wide variety of topics and tools, including accessible learning, Windows 11, Flipgrid, and more. Plus, we’ll have sessions like Microsoft 365 Tips and Tricks delivered by ed tech influencer Leslie Fisher!

Microsoft 365 Tips and Tricks with Leslie Fisher | Tuesday, February 08 | 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.  

Did you know that Microsoft 365 is free for teachers and students? Microsoft 365 has so many features in it, an hour is simply not enough, but we will cover as much as we can including tips and tricks in Microsoft 365 overall, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft OneNote and Microsoft Forms. This session always surprises people with something they had no idea about or just makes them happy with all the features of Microsoft 365. Everything discussed and demonstrated is free!  

Visit the Microsoft Education Blog for more information and to see our detailed session schedule. We look forward to seeing you in February at TCEA 2022!

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tcea 2022
Professional LearningTCEA Convention & Exposition

What TCEA 2022 Convention Attendee Type Are You?

by Meaghan Rhame, Director of Conferences and Events at TCEA
written by Meaghan Rhame, Director of Conferences and Events at TCEA

There’s something for everyone at TCEA 2022 with practically unlimited events and experiences. And each participant’s personality comes out in the way they tackle convention. You may be one attendee type or a combination of multiple. So…let’s discover what kind of convention attendee you are! Be proud of your individuality by sharing your attendee type with us on Twitter(#TCEA and #TCEA22) or in the comments.

The Newbie 

New attendees can be spotted every year, and we love our Newbies! You’ll know them when you see them. And when you do, give them your top tips to help them feel welcome and let them know you’ve been there, too. Newbies can also be found at the Attendee Services counter building their best personalized convention schedule. All our convention attendees are supportive and amazing educators happy to help our new attendees, and between the Meetups, exhibitor functions, sessions, and more, Newbies are sure to find some convention BFFs in no time.

The Coach 

The Coach is one you can lean on when attending a convention. They are a big support to the Newbie especially. The Coach has done their homework, knows where the best concessions are, can point you to those restrooms that don’t have a long line, and knows the top special events happening at convention. They are a dedicated volunteer here to help you, wearing the popular 2022 volunteer t-shirt. And they have connections with convention staff to find the answers to all your questions. You’ll also spot the Coach taking meticulous notes in sessions, sharing ideas with others, and cheering on peers excited about new tools, methods, and resources.

The Representative 

The Representative is at convention on a mission from their school or district and is sometimes with a team. They are challenged with the goal of gathering as many new ideas, strategies, and technology solutions as possible. And they aim to soak up all the learning to take back and share with their peers and colleagues. They typically set up daily meetings with their team to discuss what they’ve learned and create a game plan. Representatives plan strategically to hit as many sessions and exhibitors as possible to help meet their district and campus needs.

The Techy 

You can easily spot this attendee by the number of gadgets, dongles, and cables they brought to the event. They can also be identified by their excitement at learning about the latest in apps, robotics, and devices. They are on the hunt for cybersecurity or infrastructure solutions for their district or campus. You can often find the Techy at the Recharge Lounge powering up or in the exhibit hall exploring. And they’re often to be thanked for providing technical support for fellow attendees.

The Veteran

The Veteran has been attending convention for many years, and they’ve got it down. They have a bag, a badge, and a slew of ribbons for every convention. Convention is their natural habitat! They are happy, energized, and at ease in the convention environment. 

The Veteran is equipped with: 

  • Comfortable shoes 
  • Charged devices
  • A water bottle to stay hydrated
  • Yummy snacks
  • The TCEA 2022 mobile app 

Learn from the Veteran. Become the Veteran.

The Socializer 

For this educator, it’s all about learning through connection. Whether it’s a speaker, someone they follow on Twitter, an exhibitor, or an author whose book they have read, the Socializer wants to connect with as many people as possible. Find the Socializer on Twitter using #TCEA and #TCEA22 as they’ve started their own Twitter chat. They’ll likely also have a list of all the Twitter handles they’ve collected along the way. The Socializer may treat the meet up area as their office as new networkers arrive. They don’t hit their hotel room until late at night after attending every exhibitor function possible. Connect with the Socializer and become Twitter buddies or connect using the TCEA 2022 mobile app messaging!

The Gatherer

The Gatherer collects all the things they can find at convention. They can be spotted on the exhibit hall floor as they seek out their next classroom set of sticky notes, pens, and student trinkets. They are not shy in asking for the best giveaway, participating in an activity, or scanning their badge for goodies. The Gatherer seeks out the next door prize and finds the booth with the best food and beverage. They have participated in all the fun offered by exhibitors, all while learning something new. Ask the Gatherer about their favorite discoveries!

The Handout Hunter

The Handout Hunter is at the convention to gather all the resources and information they possibly can. They are all about digital loot: new Web 2.0 tools, Google extensions, iOS apps, Windows tips, formative assessments, lesson plans, and anything else contained in a handout. This attendee has been known to “session hop” because their greatest joy is collecting URLs, scanning poster session QR codes, and scurrying from session to session to grab the links containing those amazing handouts before moving on. You can find the Handout Hunter sharing their digital collection via Wakelet, Padlet, hyperdoc, or website just for TCEA 2022. They will also download as many session materials as they can from the TCEA 2022 mobile app.

Share with Us

No matter what type of convention attendee you are or your main objective for TCEA 2022, there’s sure to be something for you. Share your attendee type or combination of types with us on Twitter (#TCEA and #TCEA22) or in the comments. We look forward to seeing everyone at TCEA 2022, February 7-10 in Dallas, Texas. See you soon! 

This week is your last chance to get a discount on your registration and hotel room! Register by January 14 and be sure you don’t pay full price. 

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Digital CitizenshipSocial MediaSocial-Emotional Learning

Five Myths About Helping Students Navigate Social Media and Technology

by Andrea Jenkins
written by Andrea Jenkins

FOMO. Anxiety. Online drama. Group texts gone awry. 

As technology becomes more embedded into our lives, students everywhere are facing tremendous daily challenges — socially, emotionally, and academically. School leaders are left asking, “How can we possibly get ahead of this?”

As a former school administrator, teacher, and middle school advisor, I experienced these challenges every day. I watched students make big mistakes online and felt helpless as our school played “whack-a-mole” with each behavioral issue.

I still see schools struggling with these same issues today. But I also see innovative schools overcoming myths and challenges by implementing modern SEL. They are proactively empowering students to navigate social-emotional well-being, social media, and technology positively, all because they’ve shattered these five common myths.

Myth #1: All SEL programming should launch at the beginning of the school year.

SEL Programming Myth

Many educators falsely assume that the only time to begin a social-emotional program is at the start of the school year. After leading hundreds of teachers through professional development, I’ve found that “layering in” new programming throughout the school year can actually be highly beneficial. When schools launch programs mid-year, teachers can take advantage of the strong relationships they’ve already built with their students. Additionally, they can leverage well-established class routines and schedules. When these relationships between students and teachers are firmly in place, along with class norms, launching a new program that connects with students can be a seamless process. 

Myth #2: All digital citizenship programs should be built in-house.

Digital Citizenship Program Myth

Schools are passionate and protective about their mission and culture, and rightly so. Social media needs to be a standard part of your SEL programming. But while it’s common for schools to create programs with the expertise of their teachers and leaders, social media is a different ball game. Helping students navigate social platforms from TikTok and YouTube to texting and video gaming is different than creating a math program. Many adults in school communities are not digital natives, and they lack the expertise and bandwidth to fully understand how social media behaviors and trends differ from grade to grade. Leaning on a trusted partner that stays at the cutting edge and speaks the students’ language can be a critical path to success. 

Myth #3: Any teacher who educates students about social media should be an expert themselves. 

Social Media Education Myth

Over the past five years, our team at The Social Institute has seen tens of thousands of teachers facilitate meaningful digital citizenship conversations with students, even without knowing much about TikTok, the latest iPhone 13, or Fortnite. One successful strategy we help our partner schools implement is having students “coach up” and teach fellow peers and adults how to navigate technology positively. After all, students are ahead of the curve when it comes to social media. Plus, there is no better way to learn something than to have to teach it yourself.

Myth #4: One-off speakers that scare and lecture students are enough.

Digital Citizenship Social Media Program Myth

When a school experiences challenges around students’ social media use, a typical reaction is to bring in a speaker to warn students about the perils of social media and share scary messages about what not to do online. While students should be educated, they should also be equipped with that to do. Proactively educating students with relevant ongoing lessons — lessons that grow with them year over year — yields stronger outcomes than one-time speakers who are disconnected from your students’ realities. As educators, we have the unique opportunity to empower and equip students in a sustainable and systematic way. 

Myth #5: New programs are too heavy of a lift for teachers right now.

Social Media Digital Citizenship Program Myth

It’s no surprise that teachers are tired, stressed, and feel the weight of the last two school years. And no one wants to add more to teachers’ plates. This is why schools are choosing to integrate turnkey programs now more than ever. Providing teachers with lessons that are completely developed, engaging for students, and proactively addressing real-time topics make teachers’ lives easier. Instead of spending their time building content or dealing with student issues, they can lean into the lessons and open meaningful dialogue with their students. Teachers feel the challenge of supporting students lifted and discover a new way to connect with their students.

My mentor once wisely advised, “There is no perfect time to launch something new, and there will always be excuses not to. Don’t let perfection get in the way of action.” More than ever, our students need us to take action. Waiting until a new school year or for full buy-in only enables students’ challenges to grow. When we bust these five myths, we can fully support students when they need it the most — right now.

Andrea Jenkins is a TCEA 2022 presenter leading a session on Reimaging SEL to Win Over Students and Address Social Media, Current Events, and Well-Being. Andrea is a team member at The Social Institute (TSI) which provides a unique, gamified platform. TSI uses a positive approach to supporting students’ digital citizenship skills and social media navigation. Check out this #WinatSocial preview to learn more about TSI’s social media education program for schools.

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Professional LearningTCEA Convention & Exposition

Get Your Hands on Tech Resources at TCEA 2022

by Meaghan Rhame, Director of Conferences and Events at TCEA
written by Meaghan Rhame, Director of Conferences and Events at TCEA

You teach through hands-on learning for a long-lasting impact. Why not take your own strategies and learn by doing, trying, and playing with the many educational technology solutions at your fingertips? TCEA’s 2022 Robert Knight Exhibit Hall is back, in person in February, to do just that.

Connect with Your Partners in Education

Your partners are eager to see you again, face-to-face, after two years. Join them and meet new contacts to build relationships and learn about the latest solutions and equipment. But did I mention the giveaways, trinkets, games, and perks? TCEA exhibitors are sure to wow you during the Exhibit Hall Grand Opening Tuesday, February 8 at 2 p.m. They’ll be rolling out the red carpet and sharing their unique solutions in fun ways. As an added bonus, each day will feature dedicated exhibit hall hours, so you don’t have to choose between visiting the exhibit hall and attending a learning session. Discover who is waiting to partner with you in 2022 here.

Esports in Action

On the exhibit hall floor, there will be esports. Yes, that’s right! Thanks to CDW-G, TCEA will be bringing back its esports experience. This space will feature local student teams in a friendly competition showcasing Rocket League, soccer with vehicles. These students will share the opportunities an esports program provides to them, the advantages, and the career possibilities. This same space will feature sessions focused on esports and a chance for you to get first-hand experience by trying it out. Before you get your hands on esports, learn why your students need esports opportunities, the benefits of esports in the classroom, and how to get started here.

A Bus? Absolutely!

The exhibit hall doesn’t just showcase companies, but it showcases organizations like your own. One of those showcased will be Van ISD’s STEAM Bus! This 43-foot makerspace on wheels features PreK-12 learning for numerous STEAM disciplines. Van ISD’s students spend an hour engaged in problem-based learning through hands-on experience, and you can too on the exhibit hall floor. Not only will Van ISD share how this bus works in their district, but they will also provide a chance for you to bring the STEAM bus to your school. Learn more and connect with the Van ISD team here.

If you haven’t registered, it’s not too late! TCEA 2022 is a place for every educator, and we’d love to see you there– exploring the exhibit hall, enjoying the learning sessions, and connecting with other educators. See you in February!

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Professional LearningTCEA Convention & Exposition

Turkey Is to Thanksgiving as Special Events Are to TCEA 2022

by Meaghan Rhame, Director of Conferences and Events at TCEA
written by Meaghan Rhame, Director of Conferences and Events at TCEA

The season of Thanksgiving is nostalgic for me. I relish it all– from the days-long tradition of cooking to the treasured sides, spending time with family and friends, and giving thanks for all my blessings. But nothing beats the prized entrée. Usually adorning the table in a central location, we have the shining, golden-brown, ready-to-be-carved-and-eaten, glorious turkey with all the delicious side dishes surrounding it. Some people like eating turkey as the main dish, but others prefer to eat it more as a side. Well, to TCEA 2022, special events are that hearty, delicious turkey.

Why Attend TCEA Special Events

Special events are sure to benefit any educator, no matter their role in education. There is really something for everyone! Special events at TCEA 2022 will either:

  • Get you in front of speakers who will inspire you and present you with new, relevant information,
  • Provide you with an informal space to meet other educators, discuss challenges and successes, share, and brainstorm about topics that matter to you the most,
  • Facilitate informal interactions with other educators during which you learn strategies and methods that are working for them,
  • Put you in a space where you can discuss solutions and products with trusted vendors who want to support education and educators,
  • Or, all of the above.

Special Events Offered at TCEA 2022

Keynotes: We have two fantastic keynote speakers this year. Cynt Marshall will be opening TCEA 2022 on Monday, February 7, from 12:30 p.m. – 2 p.m. with an uplifting talk on “Leading with Heart.” Brett Culp will be the closing keynote speaker on Thursday, February 10, from 2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m., inspiring us all with his talk on “everyday leadership.” These two are really going to bring messages of joy and hope that you won’t want to miss.

Poster Sessions: Poster sessions are interactive tabletop displays with presenters who share resources and ideas on a common theme or topic, for example, STEAM. During a poster session, you’ll get to interact with fellow educators and learn about specific strategies, methods, and materials they actively use in their school or district setting. You’ll also see examples, gather resources, and have the ability to ask questions. It’s a great way to explore what’s working for other educators and meet peers.

Special Interest Group (SIG) Events: Special Interest Group (SIG) events are collaborative learning opportunities that facilitate communication and connection among educators in similar roles or around a specific topic. Some of these events will also have food and beverage available to attendees. To attend a SIG event, you must pre-register when registering for your conference badge, and a small fee will be charged.

Meetups: Meetups will be one of the showstopping, must-attend opportunities this year. When you attend, you’ll join a casual, come-and-go atmosphere dedicated to facilitating meaningful discussions among diverse groups of education professionals. Connect with other leaders and innovators in education to build your community and discuss topics relevant for today.

Click here to explore all the special events offered at TCEA 2022.

Special Events: Main Dish or Side Dish?

You may be one who enjoys eating as much Thanksgiving turkey as possible, making it your main dish. Or you may be someone who treats turkey as a side dish among the many other options available at the Thanksgiving meal. This is also how TCEA 2022 special events can be approached.

When planning your schedule, you can completely fill your plate with special events. In this way, you’re making them your “main dish” and learning sessions your “side dishes.” Or you can plan your learning sessions and then add a few special events to the mix to spice things up. Either way is not only acceptable but doable. Even if your top goal is to expand your knowledge through learning sessions, a taste of special events may also include credit hours, education, and a unique take on learning. You’ll want to try out at least a few!

Feel free to take a look at some Mock Schedules to get an idea of how some attendees approach planning their schedules to include sessions and special events.

It Isn’t Thanksgiving Without Giving Thanks!

You may be unsure of your top need, strategy for participating, or preferences for your schedule before the showstopping event, whether for TCEA 2022 or Thanksgiving. But what matters most is gathering, reuniting, and making a difference in the lives of those we interact with, which is the ultimate goal. These past two years have taught us to be thankful for the small things, find those silver linings, and celebrate every success, big or small, each day. As we work to reunite in person, we see a glimpse of hope in reconnecting. However you decide to cultivate your schedule for TCEA 2022, we sure are grateful for you, and we can’t wait to see you in February! 

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