2025 IPD Conference: Ignite, Empower, and Transform: Elevating Education Together
Come inspire and empower fellow educators at MSEA’s IPD Conference. The IPD Committee, led by member experts, develops strands of workshops designed to meet the professional needs of MSEA members. The theme for our 2025 conference is “Ignite, Empower, and Transform: Elevating Education Together.” From keeping up with the demands of an increasingly challenging education environment to meeting the needs of a diverse range of students, the IPD Conference will prepare members to deliver the best possible outcomes for students. Participants will come away with strategies that can be employed right away.
DATE: March 29, 2025
TIME: 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Registration and breakfast will open at 8:15 a.m.
LOCATION: BWI Westin 1110 Old Elkridge Landing Road, Linthicum Heights, Maryland, 21090
DIRECTIONS: Click here for directions
*** COST: $10 (non-refundable) ***
DEADLINE: Registration closes Friday, March 14, 2025 or when seats are filled.
Conference Strands
1) Building Authentic Connections
2) Supporting Student Success
3) Empowering Educators
Agenda
Welcome: 9:00 a.m. – 9:15 a.m.
Keynote: 9:15 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.
Session 1: 9:50 a.m. – 11:05 a.m.
Plenary Session: 11:10 a.m. – 12:05 p.m.
Lunch: 12:05 p.m. – 12:55 p.m.
Session 2: 1:00 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.
Break: 2:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Session 3: 2:30 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.
Closing: 3:45 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.
Caucus (Optional): Starts at 4:30 p.m.
Keynote and plenary session speaker
Dr. Micia Mosely, Director, Black Teacher Project
Dr. Micia Mosely is the founder and director of The Black Teacher Project, a program of The National Equity Project committed to developing a Black teaching force to transform schools into communities of liberated learning. Prior to leading this work, she was a National Training Specialist with The Posse Foundation. Mosely began her career as a high school social studies teacher before earning her Ph.D. in education from U.C. Berkeley. She is a published researcher whose work focuses on race and professional development. Also a successful theater artist and performer, Mosely tours the nation with her socio-political stand-up comedy. Learn more at www.miciamosely.com and www.blackteacherproject.org.
Keynote: Leading from Where You Are
It’s time to lead from where you are. Change is all around us, and educators are at the heart of it. Every educator has the power to make a meaningful impact to elevate thriving learning communities.
Plenary Session: Leading for Transformation
This session will explore practical strategies for driving meaningful change in education. Participants will engage in problem-solving, share best practices, and discover ways to lead innovation and improvement in their schools and communities. Be ready to tackle real challenges and tap into your leadership potential!
Workshops Agenda
SESSION I (Attendees choose one workshop from each of the three sessions)
9:50 a.m. – 11:05 a.m.
Trauma-Informed Wellness Strategies in the Classroom – Salon 3A
This workshop explores the benefits of trauma-informed wellness strategies and how to incorporate them into the classroom to improve teacher and student well-being. Attendees will participate in mindful listening, breath awareness, mindful movement, and meditation to help themselves and respond to students during moments of stress by reducing tension and improving well-being in the short term or by fostering long-term positive health and academic outcomes.
Presenter: Eleanor Jones
Empowering Educators through Global Connections – Salon 3B
This presentation, “Empowering Educators through Global Connections,” focuses on the transformative impact of cross-cultural exchange programs and global citizenship initiatives for teachers. It highlights how these opportunities help educators broaden their perspectives, enrich their teaching practices, and foster a more inclusive, globally aware classroom environment. By connecting with educators worldwide, teachers gain valuable insights, resources, and strategies to prepare students for an interconnected world, ultimately empowering them to be more effective, innovative, and culturally responsive in their teaching.
Presenter: Salimatou Cristal Ouedraogo
Today We Will – Salon 3C
In this session family engagement is defined, and its intentions are articulated. The Five Dispositions of Successful Events are detailed, as are respective recommendations for implementation. This session will define family engagement in the context of event planning, implementation, and evaluation, and help us understand why we utilize this tool.
Presenter: Brad Fisher
SESSION II (Choose 1)
1:00 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.
Turning Struggles into Strengths: Executive Function Solutions – Salon 3A
This engaging professional development session equips teachers with practical strategies to address executive function challenges that often hinder student success. Participants will explore how EF skills—such as organization, task initiation, and self-regulation—impact learning and behavior. Participants will gain actionable tools to foster independence, improve classroom routines, and help students turn their struggles into strengths through real-world examples and interactive activities.
Presenter: Wendy Gray
Transforming Myself; Transforming My Career – Salon 3B
In this interactive workshop, participants will dive deeper into the connection between personal growth and workplace evolution. Through guided activities, discussions, and reflective exercises, attendees will explore strategies for adapting to change, building resilience, and fostering a growth mindset. Whether you’re navigating new challenges or seeking to redefine your role, this workshop will provide practical tools and inspiration to align your personal transformation with your professional journey.
Presenter: Denise M. Pfaff
Creating an Inclusive Classroom: A Step-by-Step Guide – Salon 3C
As an educator, you already know the importance of classroom culture. It’s not just about academic achievement; it’s about supporting your students’ social and emotional needs too. That’s why it’s critical to create a positive classroom culture. This session will provide attendees with actionable steps to do just that.
Presenter: Robert Barnes
SESSION III (Pre-selected from registration)
2:30 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.
Building Breakthroughs: Elevating Student Engagement to Reduce Classroom Disruptions – Salon 3A
GET READY! Discover strategies to ignite student motivation, enhance engagement, and manage classrooms with compassion. This intense session empowers educators with proven techniques to build authentic connections, maximize instructional time, and foster creativity, transforming classrooms to support student success.
Presenter: Shonda Pegram
Word Power: Vocabulary, Comprehension, and Deep Learning in Diverse Classrooms – Salon 3B
This workshop delves into effective vocabulary acquisition pedagogy and its critical role in reading comprehension, engagement with nonfiction texts, and deep learning in civics. Designed for educators working with upper elementary through high school students, the session will focus on strategies for explicit vocabulary instruction that foster critical thinking and enhance understanding of complex texts. Participants will explore practical methods to differentiate instruction, leverage technology, and create inclusive learning environments that support students from diverse linguistic, socioeconomic, and cultural backgrounds. By connecting vocabulary development with civic education, this session equips educators with tools to empower students to comprehend, articulate, and engage with complex civic topics, helping them grow into active, informed citizens.
Presenter: Genie Massey
Transformative Manhood – Salon 3C
This dynamic workshop will share with the participants transformative techniques to bridge the gap between school and fatherhood. Participants will gain insight from Waldon Woods Elementary School programs to close the fatherhood gap. Participants will leave empowered, excited, and ready to transform fatherhood through collaboration.
Presenter: Dr. William Clay
Questions? Contact [email protected]