12 programs will be presented at this year’s NJEA Convention by CTL staff and other affiliated teachers.  Read more about the programs below.

Elementary Math the SMART Way

Presenters:
Melissa Axelsson
CTL Curriculum Writer
Math Teacher and District Instructional Coach, Egg Harbor City Community School

Heather Crosson
CTL Curriculum Writer
Third Grade Teacher, Charles L. Spragg School, Egg Harbor City

Elementary Math the SMART Way Power Point Presentation

Summary:
Discover new strategies for teaching mathematics K-5 using technology and teacher-developed units through the Progressive Math Initiative (PMI) to increase student achievement.

Algebra the Smart Way

Presenters:
John Getz
CTL Faculty/Curriculum Writer
Teacher of Mathematics, Vernon Township Public Schools

Marion Conrad
CTL Curriculum Writer
Assistant Superintendent, Ocean Township Public Schools

Algebra_the_SMART_Way Presentation file

Summary:
Discover new strategies for teaching pre-algebra and algebra using technology and teacher-developed units through the Progressive Math Initiative (PMI) to increase student achievement.

Smart Professional Learning Communities

Presenters:
John Getz
CTL Faculty/Curriculum Writer
Teacher of Mathematics, Vernon Township Public Schools

PLC_the_SMART_way Presentation file

Marion Conrad
CTL Curriculum Writer
Assistant Superintendent, Ocean Township Public Schools

Summary:
Examine two models that use Smart technology to support the continuing development of professional learning communities.

Using Formative Assessment to Guide Your Teaching

Presenters:
Melissa Axelsson
CTL Curriculum Writer
Math Teacher and District Instructional Coach, Egg Harbor City Community School, NJ

Dr. Rosemary Knab
Secretary-Treasurer, New Jersey Center for Teaching and Learning
NJEA Associate Director of Research & Economic Services

Summary:
Struggling with knowing how much your students are learning in your class? Formative Assessment is the answer.  Discover how to take your curriculum and easily insert formative assessment strategies.

Formative Assessment Power Point Presentation

Global Education Unit Design

Presenter:
Greg Jablonski
Teacher of Social Studies, Vernon Township School District

Charlie Poris

Global Presentation

Summary:
Learn about Smart Technologies, Google technologies, pedagogical practices and global content to create a globally themed, cross-disciplinary unit.

Education Trends

Summary:
Peggy Stewart
Trustee, New Jersey Center for Teaching and Learning
2005 State Teacher of the Year (NJ)
Teacher of History, Vernon Township School District
Chair, New Jersey Professional Teaching Standards Board

Dr. Rosemary Knab
Secretary-Treasurer, New Jersey Center for Teaching and Learning
NJEA Associate Director of Research & Economic Services

Summary:
County teachers of the year will lead round table discussions on a variety of topics.

PSI Users Group

Presenters:
Timothy Panebianco
CTL Coordinator of Program Development
Teacher of Physics

Dr. Robert Goodman
Director, New Jersey Center for Teaching & Learning
2006 State Teacher of the Year (NJ)
Teacher of Physics

Summary:
Share tips and discover new strategies from other teachers using the Progressive Science Initiative

PMI Users Group

Summary:Share tips and discover new strategies from other teachers using the Progressive Mathematics Initiative

From Poop to Plastic to Pupils

Presenters:
Ryan Smith
CEO Micromidas

Elizabeth Henriquez
CTL Faculty/Curriculum Writer
Teacher of Biology, Physics – Bergen County Technical Schools – Paramus

Summary:
Discover how biodegradable plastics are made and how this story promotes the kind of science learning that is at the heart of all great science classrooms.

Progressive Science Initiative (PSI)

Presenters:
Timothy Panebianco
CTL Coordinator of Program Development
Teacher of Physics

Elizabeth Henriquez
CTL Faculty/Curriculum Writer
Teacher of Biology, Physics – Bergen County Technical Schools – Paramus

Summary:
Discover an effective new approach to teaching science that dramatically improves AP achievement in physics, chemistry and biology.

Real Life Rocket Science (Project Aether)

Presenters:
Dr. Benjamin Longmier
Project Aether

Elizabeth Henriquez
CTL Faculty/Curriculum Writer
Teacher of Biology, Physics – Bergen County Technical Schools – Paramus

Summary:
Project Aether is a program designed to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, explorers, and dreamers. Dr. Ben Longmier and Elizabeth Henriquez collaborated in April 2011 to teach students at Bergen County Technical School  physics concepts, experimental research skills, and to demonstrate low-cost accessible space exploration though a high altitude balloon launch equipped with an HD camera.

Exploring New Heights: Bridging the Gap between STEM and Humanities (Zero G Panel)

Presenters:
Dr. Benjamin Longmier, Ad Astra Rocket Company Laura Nardomarino, Luke Thawley, Mike Chomin, Elizabeth Henriquez and Dennis Montone, Bergen County Technical Schools

Summary:
In a unique and out-of-this-world teaching experience, Bergen County Technical School physics teacher Liz Henriquez, and fellow teachers Luke Thawley, Laura Nardomarino, Mike Chomin, and Dennis Montone were accepted by NASA to take a ride on NASA’s zero gravity aircraft, aka the “Vomit Comet,”  in Houston Texas in June 2011.  A series of essential questions were posed to the students regarding an experiment involving gravity and off-planet exploration. In addition to looking at this experiment from a scientist’s viewpoint in their physics and mathematics classes, the Bergen Tech students also investigated questions relating to the experience in Social Studies, Financial Literacy, and English.  Dr. Benjamin Longmier, of the Ad Astra Rocket Company, Houston, Texas served as the NASA Zero Gravity mentor based on his previous flight experience and work with Bergen Tech on Project Aether.  This ground-breaking project could herald a new way to merge topics in STEM and humanities.