Join us every Wednesday or Friday!
Please join one of our upcoming webinars in ourÌýWebinar Series for Educators and Caregivers. These webinars include discussions of timely education topics facilitated by our excellent faculty.
All webinars are free and open to all! You can register for a specific webinarÌýby clicking on the title of that webinar below.Ìý
AU SOE Webinar Series 1: Conversations with an AU Education Expert: New Knowledge and Tools for Parents and Caregivers Educating During COVID-19 will occur every Wednesday from 7:00—8:00 p.m.ÌýApril 15-May 13.
AU SOE Webinar Series 2: Conversations with an AU Education Expert: New Knowledge and Tools for Educators, Leaders, and Policy-Makers During COVID-19 will occur every Friday from 3:00—4:00 p.m. beginning April 17- May 8.
All webinar recordings are avaliableÌýand captioned.
New webinars will be added this summer asÌýregistration details become available.
NEW KNOWLEDGE & TOOLS FOR PARENTS & CAREGIVERS EDUCATING DURING COVID-19
About the Webinar
This webinar is for all of the caregivers currently trying to navigate their role as caregiver and educator while maintaining work and life during a global pandemic. We have watched schools struggle to plan for, and provide access to, food and technology for millions of students. Together we will examine how to provide for our children receiving services under IDEA part B and Section 504. This is a unique opportunity to examine the law, strategies for success, and to recognize your inner strength.
About Dr. Adelaide Kelly-Massoud
Dr. Adelaide Kelly-Massoud is the Director of the MA in Special Education: Learning Disabilities program. Adelaide received her undergraduate from the University of Connecticut. Soon after she received her Master’s in Special Education and Human Development from The George Washington University. Adelaide earned a doctoral degree in Special Education and Applied Neuroscience from The George Washington University. Over the years Adelaide has worked in the field of special education in several capacities working as a classroom teacher, instructional aide, mentor, consultant and teacher educator. She has served as a faculty member at George Washington University teaching a wide range of courses. Her areas of expertise include teacher development, autism, as well as emotional and behavior disorders. Adelaide is a qualitative researcher and is passionate about mixed methods approaches to inform the field of special education. Adelaide has presented at national and international conferences. Learn more about Dr. Adelaide Kelly-Massoud.
About the Webinar
Navigating college and career pathways is complicated under the best circumstances, add a pandemic and stay at home orders to the mix and it can be overwhelming to prepare for next week, never mind thinking about plans for the fall or next year. Join our panelists as they share the latest updates on college enrollment and financial aid, provide tips to traverse career options and answer your questions on how to best support your child’s post high school planning. This webinar will feature the following panelists led by Dr. Laura Owen:Ìý
About Dr. Laura Owen
Dr. Laura Owen, Director, Center for Postsecondary Readiness and Success and Research Associate Professor at American University, focuses on evaluating the impact of interventions and programs designed to address the persistent equity and access issues that so many students across the country face. Learn more about Dr. Laura Owen.
About the Webinar
This webinar is for caregivers of children ages 3 to 8 years old, who are seeking to easily implement developmentally appropriate learning activities into their family’s daily routine. During this pandemic and stay at home order season, as caregivers, you have been tasked with facilitating your young child’s everyday learning experience. This webinar aims to give caregivers information, tools, and strategies to assist in developing learning themes that can be easily integrated into your daily home activities. Join Dr. El Brown to discuss and examine how to identify, create, and provide rich learning experiences that incorporate all areas of early education, while at home with your child.
About Dr. El Brown
El Brown is a faculty member in the Early Childhood Education Master of Arts in Teaching Program in the School of Education. She is also the Founder and CEO of KinderJam, an Early Childhood Education Training, Enrichment, and Care Agency. Dr. Brown began her career as an Early Childhood educator in Atlanta Public Schools (APS). After which, she relocated to Asia and taught 2nd grade in Japan and South Korea with the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA). Upon her return to the United States, Dr. Brown founded KinderJam, which grew to serve military and State Department families in 11 countries and 16 states. The program was founded in response to Dr. Brown’s experience as a mother parenting a young child with disabilities and its purpose was to promote Early Intervention and Family Engagement in military communities. To further develop KinderJam and ensure the professional integrity of the program, she earned a M.S in Early Childhood Education. Later, Dr. Brown earned her Ph.D. in Early Childhood Education/Early Childhood Special Education with a secondary emphasis on Educational Psychology from the George Mason University in Fairfax, VA. Dr. Brown’s current research focuses on reconceptualizing what it means to support families of young children with disabilities within the military community. Presently, Dr. Brown operates a preschool for Fairfax County and provides trainings in the areas of Family Engagement and Cultural Competence to service providers, who work and interact with young children and their families. Dr. Brown has authored two books and created music and curriculum for young children. Prior to her arrival at American University, Dr. Brown taught at George Mason University. Learn more about Dr. El Brown.
About the Webinar
Dr. Carolyn Parker, Science Educator and Director of the Masters of Arts in Teaching Program, will be joined by Kat Fancher of the Smithsonian Science Education Center, Margaret Hart of the JHU Whiting School of Engineering Center for Educational Outreach, and Catherine Kruchten, who will present NASA’s BEST curriculum. We will talk about best-at-home teaching practices while sharing free and easy-to-incorporate resources to support your child’s at-home science and engineering learning.
About Dr. Carolyn Parker
Carolyn Parker is the Director of the Master of Arts in Teaching Program in the School of Education. She began her career as a science educator as a Peace Corps volunteer in Guatemala. Upon her return to the United States, she earned an M.A. in science teaching and then taught high school science in New York State and Miami, Florida. Dr. Parker earned her Ph.D in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Maryland College Park. Dr. Parker’s current research focus is twofold, focusing on teacher education and issues of equity and access in STEM education. Most recently, Dr. Parker was a principal investigator of a National Science Foundation Math-Science Partnership award, STEM Achievement in Baltimore Elementary Schools (SABES). The SABES project served nine high poverty Baltimore City elementary schools by improving STEM curriculum and instruction. The project included research focused on the development and delivery of rigorous curriculum supported by intensive and sustained teacher professional development that included in-school coaching, peer classroom visits and content intensive STEM Academies In addition to the school day component, the project offered a STEM-focused, out-of-school day program where students completed engineering-focused projects relevant to local communities. Dr. Parker’s has authored numerous book chapters, technical reports, and peer-reviewed papers. Her work appears in the Journal of Research in Science Teaching, Science Education, and Cultural Studies in Science Education. Prior to her arrival at American University, Dr. Parker taught the Johns Hopkins School of Education and the George Washington University.ÌýLearn more about Dr. Carolyn Parker.
About the Webinar
Many experts fear a shadow pandemic is on the horizon and this one will be focused on mental health. Based on feedback from more than 20 grassroots education and racial justice organizations, a recent needs assessment was developed and completed by over 600 California students and families from low-income communities of color. The assessment found an overwhelming call for increased attention on mental health, belonging and relationships. The identified the following top student and family concerns:
- Anxiety and fear for themselves, family and community because of far-reaching impact of COVID-19 on income, physical and mental health.
- Feelings of isolation, depression and disengagement as a result of quarantine.
- Stress for youth living in toxic home environments with no respite.
- Harm to Asian Pacific Islander students and families from COVID-related racism and xenophobia.
- Insufficient access to social emotional support and mental health resources for students and families under more stress during school closures and beyond.
May is mental health awareness month. Please join our esteemed panelists as they share resources and tips on how to focus on wellness and coping during COVID-19.Ìý
Panelists:
- Sophie Filibert, Ph.D., University of North Florida, Associate Professor, School Counselor Educator
- Kara Ieva, Ph.D., Rowan University, Associate Professor, Counseling in Educational Settings
- Ian P. Levy, Ph.D., Manhattan College, Assistant Professor, ÌýDepartment of Graduate Counseling, Leadership, Education
- FreidaÌýA. Trujillo, MA, LMHC, BHC, Middle School Counselor, Albuquerque Public Schools
- Laura Owen, Ph.D., American University, Director, Center for Postsecondary ÌýReadiness and Success (CPRS)Ìý
About Dr. Laura Owen
Dr. Laura Owen, Director, Center for Postsecondary Readiness and Success and Research Associate Professor at American University, focuses on evaluating the impact of interventions and programs designed to address the persistent equity and access issues that so many students across the country face. Learn more about Dr. Laura Owen.
NEW KNOWLEDGE & TOOLS FOR EDUCATORS, LEADERS, & POLICY-MAKERS DURING COVID-19
April 17, 2020 at 3PM: After Coronavirus Subsides, We Must Protect Students and Teachers with Dr. Andre Perry, Scholar-in-Residence at AU SOE; Fellow at Brookings Institute, & Columnist for the Hechinger Report
About the Webinar
The disruptions after Hurricane Katrina sparked a major exodus of experienced teachers and changes in school governance in New Orleans. Could the same happen to schools nationwide after coronavirus?
About Andre Perry
Andre Perry is a Fellow in the Metropolitan Policy Program at Brookings, a scholar-in-residence at American University, and a columnist for the Hechinger Report. A nationally known and respected commentator on race, structural inequality and education, Perry is a regular contributor toÌý²Ñ³§±·µþ°äÌýand has been published byÌýTheÌýNew York Times,ÌýThe Nation,ÌýWashington Post,ÌýTheRoot.comÌý²¹²Ô»åÌýCNN.com.ÌýPerry has also made appearances onÌýCNN,ÌýPBS,ÌýNational Public Radio,ÌýNBCÌý²¹²Ô»åÌýABC. His research focuses on race and structural inequality, education, and economic inclusion. Perry’s recent scholarship at Brookings has analyzed Black-majority cities and institutions in America, focusing on valuable assets worthy of increased investment. A native of Pittsburgh, Pa., Perry earned his Ph.D. in education policy and leadership from the University of Maryland College Park. .
April 24, 2020 at 3PM: Setting Up and Maintaining an Online Science Classroom for Success with Dr. Carolyn Parker, Director of Master of Arts in Teaching Program
About the Webinar
Dr. Carolyn Parker will be joined by Reuben Brenner-Adams from the Smithsonian Science Education Center of the and Dr. Susan Kowalski from . The panel will present and discuss free resources that science educators can use to make their online science class interesting and interactive.
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About Dr. Carolyn Parker
Carolyn Parker is the Director of the Master of Arts in Teaching Program in the School of Education. She began her career as a science educator as a Peace Corps volunteer in Guatemala. Upon her return to the United States, she earned an M.A. in science teaching and then taught high school science in New York State and Miami, Florida. Dr. Parker earned her Ph.D in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Maryland College Park. Dr. Parker’s current research focus is twofold, focusing on teacher education and issues of equity and access in STEM education. Most recently, Dr. Parker was a principal investigator of a National Science Foundation Math-Science Partnership award, STEM Achievement in Baltimore Elementary Schools (SABES). The SABES project served nine high poverty Baltimore City elementary schools by improving STEM curriculum and instruction. The project included research focused on the development and delivery of rigorous curriculum supported by intensive and sustained teacher professional development that included in-school coaching, peer classroom visits and content intensive STEM Academies In addition to the school day component, the project offered a STEM-focused, out-of-school day program where students completed engineering-focused projects relevant to local communities. Dr. Parker’s has authored numerous book chapters, technical reports, and peer-reviewed papers. Her work appears in the Journal of Research in Science Teaching, Science Education, and Cultural Studies in Science Education. Prior to her arrival at American University, Dr. Parker taught the Johns Hopkins School of Education and the George Washington University.ÌýLearn more about Dr. Carolyn Parker.
May 1, 2020 at 3PM: Virtual Professional (and Personal) Learning Communities with Dr. Robert Shand, Assistant Professor, Education Policy and Leadership
About the Webinar
Even at the best of times, we know that teachers rely on their colleagues for professional learning and growth along with creating caring communities of support for their students and themselves. This is even more critical, and more challenging, in the midst of a global pandemic. In this webinar we’ll review the research on the conditions for and characteristics of strong professional learning communities among teachers, share resources and strategies for building and sustaining those spaces virtually, and connect teachers with ways to connect with the latest research and evidence on effective educational strategies and resources. We strongly encourage discussion throughout, including not just questions but capitalizing on our own community for educators to share best practices and resources they have developed.
About Dr. Robert Shand
Robert D. Shand is Assistant Professor in the School of Education at American University. He received his Ph.D. in Economics and Education from Teachers College, Columbia University. A former high school economics and government teacher, his interests lie at the intersection of research, policy and practice. His current research focuses on teacher improvement through collaboration and professional development and how schools and teachers use data from economic evaluation and accountability systems to make decisions and improve over time. Recent work with colleagues at the Center for Benefit-Cost Studies of Education at Teachers College has emphasized the unique opportunities and methodological challenges of evaluating complex partnership programs, including the university-school-community partnership Raising Educational Achievement Coalition of Harlem, and the comprehensive student support program, City Connects. He is a co-author of the third edition of Economic Evaluation in Education: Cost-Effectiveness and Benefit-Cost Analysis, and he has contributed to publications in the American Journal of Evaluation, Educational Evaluation and Policy Analysis, and the Journal of Research on Educational Effectiveness. Learn more about Dr. Robert Shand.
May 8, 2020 at 3PM: A Renewed Focus on Supporting the Whole Child, Together with Dr. Reuben Jacobson, Program Director, Education Policy and Leadership
About the Webinar
COVID-19 has exposed many of the inequities educators and other equity leaders know all too well. It has also brought renewed attention to the whole child and the purpose of schooling. School's essential role in providing basic supports for students has been revealed. The immediate focus of educators and policymakers when schools shut down was on student needs such housing, health, nutrition, and access, as well as maintaining learning for all students. What do we know about the whole child and systemic supports? What role may policies, strategies, and funding for the whole child play in the future of our education systems?
About Dr. Reuben Jacobson
Dr. Reuben Jacobson has worked at the intersection of education research, policy, and practice for nearly 20 years. He is committed to educational change and equity and has substantial experience designing and implementing strategies that bring stakeholders together to work on common challenges. Reuben served as the Deputy Director for the Coalition for Community Schools at the Institute for Educational Leadership (IEL) where he helped grow and strengthen community schools by mobilizing national partners and local leaders. He has researched and written about the growing field of school and community partnerships for organizations such as the Brookings Institution and the Center for American Progress. Reuben worked at the American Institutes for Research as an education research analyst and spent two challenging and wonderful years teaching fifth and sixth grade students in D.C. Public Schools as a D.C. Teaching Fellow. He is an alumnus of the Education Pioneers Fellowship and IEL’s Education Policy Fellowship Program.ÌýLearn more about Dr. Reuben Jacobson.