May 2015 School Leader Update Available

The May 2015 issue of the School Leader Update is available from the Iowa Department of Education. This issue includes new information on early literacy implementation (p. 2); summer options offered at no charge by Iowa Learning Online (p. 2); and registration details for summer conferences you may be interested in, including a literacy summit (p. 1) and a professional learning opportunity for those who work with English Language Learners (p. 4).

May 2015 Each and Every Child Newsletter

The May 2015 issue of the Each and Every Child newsletter is available from the Iowa Department of Education. This issue examines a program that teacher parents to be educators. The newsletter will resume in Fall 2015.

Annual Our Kids Summer Institute Registration Open for those serving English Learners

For the past 11 years, the Our Kids Summer Institute has provided a high-quality professional development opportunity for teachers and administrators who work with English learners. Historically, premier presenters from the U.S and Canada have shared their expertise, networking opportunities and multicultural experiences have been provided and various conference strands have met a range of needs and interests among participants.

In addition, Our Kids prides itself on highlighting cultures of students and families in Iowa by incorporating culturally and linguistically diverse voices in panels, cultural performances, planning, etc.

Speakers at this year’s event will include:

Clemencia Spizzirri: Iowa's 2015 Teacher of the Year (Spanish teacher at Merrill Middle School in Des Moines) Iowa’s first Teacher of the Year who was an ELL, herself!

Dr. Ryan Nelson of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette: Fostering Strengths and Resilience in Reluctant Learners: Literacy instruction for Children with Differences

Dr. Kristiina Montero of Wilfrid Laurier University in Canada: Teaching Reading to Adolescent ELLs with Limited or Interrupted Formal Education

Daphne Germain: Senior Director of ELL Services and  Professional Development  for Boston Public Schools

Dates: June 16 & 17, 2015
Location: Waukee High School
Activity Number: ES009168221601