The CFT’s Early Childhood/TK-12 Council is sponsoring an Educational Issues Conference at the UTLA Office (3303 Wilshire Blvd 10th floor, Los Angeles, CA 90010), January 30th-31st.

Meals

Lunch will be provided on Friday. Breakfast and lunch will be provided on Saturday. 

Schedule

Friday, January 30th

12 pm Conference begins and session concludes at 5 pm. 

Saturday, January 31st

8:30 am Session begins and adjourns at 2:00 pm.

Workshops

Early Childhood Education: Bringing SEL to Life in Your Preschool Classroom: Orientation to the Think Equal Program

Preschool educators of 3- and 4-year-olds are invited to join this special orientation session introducing Think Equal, a world-renowned, research-based social-emotional learning (SEL) program implemented in more than 30 countries. Developed by global experts in neuroscience, mental health, early childhood education, and social justice, Think Equal gives educators a powerful, developmentally appropriate way to nurture empathy, emotional intelligence, cooperation, and self-regulation during the years when children’s brains are most open to shaping behavior and values.

During the session, you will:

• Learn about the program
• Explore Think Equal’s books, lessons, and family engagement tools
• Experience sample activities and practical strategies for implementation
• Leave ready to deliver the first two weeks of lessons

Co-teaching Students With Disabilities: Effective Co-Teaching Models for Inclusive Classrooms

This professional development session focuses on effective co-teaching and is designed for general education and special education teachers working together to support students with disabilities.  The course provides practical strategies for effective co-teaching partnerships, emphasizing collaborative planning, and differentiated instruction. Participants explore various co-teaching models, including team teaching, parallel teaching, and station teaching, to meet the needs of students requiring specialized instruction through interactive activities and real-world examples.  Teachers gain tools to foster equity, improve student outcomes, and create a positive and effective learning environment.

Key Topics:

• Understanding roles and responsibilities in co-teaching.

• Planning lessons collaboratively to align with IEP goals based on grade-level standards.

• Implementing co-teaching models to address varied learning needs.

• Building strong communication and problem-solving skills.

Session Outcomes:

By the end of the session, participants will be able to:

1. Develop shared goals and responsibilities for co-teaching.

2. Implement strategies to promote student engagement and success.

3. Foster a supportive classroom environment that values every learner.

This course is ideal for general and special educators seeking to enhance their co-teaching practice and promote a culture of intentional collaboration!

Generative Artificial Intelligence for Educators

Workshop Objective: To equip union members with foundational understanding of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), its impact on education, and strategies for navigating this evolving landscape.

Target Audience: Certificated CFT members teaching early childhood to 12th grade

By the end of the workshop, participants will:

1. Understand the basics of AI and its relevance in education.

2. Union’s role in navigating AI

3. Identify and use practical AI tools for time management, lesson planning, grading, and student achievement.

4. Address ethical considerations and equity issues related to AI use in classrooms.

5. Identify and share benefits and challenges using AI tools in their teaching practice.

Questions?

If you have questions about the summit, please contact EC/TK-12 Council President Steve McDougall.