July Virtual Symposium 2023

Join a dynamic, virtual professional development experience where teachers learn to implement a proficiency based, student-directed learning environment. The three day experience focuses on the whole teacher and student through Social and Emotional Learning practices, experiential learning of OWL methods and strategies, and implementation of target language, multiliteracies, and community in the classroom.

The OWL Virtual Symposium connects teachers from all different backgrounds and range of experiences. The training is structured as an OWL virtual classroom and the opportunities for relationship-building throughout the time take you to a higher level of collaboration and connection with colleagues. During the Symposium, participants receive multiple layers of interaction; with live webinars, special selections, chat groups, provocative prompts,  meaningful reflections and resources. Teachers choose the experience they want to have. Participants leave with a variety of post support: a one-on-one accountability partner, and regional, national, and international support systems. This innovative OWL event creates a confident, whole-hearted teacher who is ready to dive into an authentic and immersive environment with their students. It truly is a connected experience: one you won’t want to end.

Schedule of Events

Times are in Pacific Standard Time. 

-DAY 1 – July 17-

-DAY 2 – July 18-

-DAY 3 – July 19-

Personalized to your Experience

The OWL Virtual Symposium is personalized and scaffolded to fit goals at various levels. Each LIVE session is differentiated to fit teachers new to OWL, participants who want to develop systems to support proficiency-based learning, and the teacher who is seeking collegiality and support systems. Based on participants’ previous experience with proficiency and the methodology, skilled facilitators hone the experience and the reflection and guided questions to fit your needs and desired outcomes. 

Whether proficiency is new to you or you have been teaching with proficiency for many years, this Symposium allows you to explore and examine your current practice, while diving in to proficiency-based, student-directed OWL strategies. Teachers will leave with new techniques and ideas for high student engagement and the ability to create a positive space for language acquisition. The Symposium encourages reflection of practice and collaboration of ideas. By discussing the elements of proficiency-based practice, participants utilize effective teacher discourse to move forward in their practice.

Are you wondering if this is for all teachers of all subjects?! Yes it is! The Symposium is designed for teachers of any subject including Math, Science, Social Studies, English and beyond. OWL values and strategies are effective in all subject area, and build skills such as helping students feel fearless in class, being willing to take risks and fostering a sense of ownership and intrinsic motivation. The content is proficiency and skills-based, guiding students towards mastery of your particular subject.

What’s Included

The OWL Virtual Symposium includes:

• All online materials: videos, webinars, printable prompts and questions pages, printable Whole Teacher reflection and more
• Access to Live Webinars daily with inspiring and informative facilitators

To Further Enhance Your Experience

• Participants may choose to enhance their Symposium experience with our recordings on theme specific content at an additional $20 per session.
• Participants may take advantage of half hour one on one consultations with a member of the OWL facilitation team at an additional $50 per session. Topics can include: school specific dilemmas and challenges, feedback of a previously recorded classroom session, question and answer, and many more! We highly encourage this as a follow up to allow for a successful and efficient personalized implementation process. 
• Participants can purchase additional OWL resources to further aid in your implementation of a proficiency-based classroom at a discounted rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need social media accounts to participate?

• No! We’re using a community based platform that allows you to engage with fellow participants without the distraction of a feed.

If I live internationally, can I participate?

• Yes! You will be charged additional for shipping of the resource materials. With questions, reach out to [email protected].

If I cannot attend a live session, will I be able to experience the Symposium?

• Yes! All live webinars will be recorded for your perusal up to two weeks after live sessions.