Instruction and Professional Development Conference - Maryland State Education Association

Welcome

Welcome to the 2025 IPD Conference!

Keynote Speaker

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.

Presenters

Founder and Director of the Black Teacher Project

Dr. Micia Mosely

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 & www.blackteacherproject.org.

Trauma-Informed Wellness Strategies in the Classroom

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.

Presenters

Eleanor Jones

Empowering Educators through Global Connections

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.

Presenters

Salimatou Cristal Ouedraogo

Today We Will

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.

Presenters

Brad Fisher

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!

Presenters

Genie Massey

Turning Struggles into Strengths: Executive Function Solutions

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.

Presenters

Wendy Gray

Transforming Myself; Transforming My Career

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.

Presenters

Denise M. Pfaff

Creating an Inclusive Classroom: A Step-by-Step Guide

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.

Presenters

Robert Barnes

MSEA UniServ Director

Elizabeth Jones

Elizabeth Jones is a UniServ Director in Harford County, a merged local, and serves as Chief Negotiator for the certificated unit. Before becoming a UniServ Director in 2019, she taught high school English and World Mythology for 19 years and was an active MSEA member. She takes pride in helping MSEA members find their power, develop their voice, and fight for their rights.

MSEA UniServ Director

Allison Heintz

Allison Heintz is a UniServ Director serving Harford County Education Association. Until her hire in 2024, Allison spent 17 years as an elementary school educator, her last ten years in Maryland (Harford, Anne Arundel, and Baltimore City). She served on the Board of Directors for TAAAC and was trained with the first group of GO Team organizers. More importantly, she is a cat mom to two free-loaders and a foster mom to dozens of other kitties.

Building Breakthroughs: Elevating Student Engagement to Reduce Classroom Disruptions

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.

Presenters

Shonda Pegram

Word Power: Vocabulary, Comprehension, and Deep Learning in Diverse Classrooms

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.

Presenters

Genie Massey

Transformative Manhood

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.

Presenters

Dr. William Clay

Overview of the MSEA Professional Learning Portal

mseaportal.org

2025 Instruction and Professional Development Conference

Agenda

Overview

Keynote Speaker

Workshops

Welcome and Keynote

Session I

Plenary Session

Session II

Session III

Closing

Location

Conference Venue

Acknowledgements