Virtual Symposium: 4 Day Training- February Session

Join a dynamic, virtual professional development experience where teachers learn to implement a proficiency based, student-directed learning environment. The four 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 week itself is structured as an OWL virtual classroom and the opportunities for relationship-building throughout the week 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.  Click here for a schedule for your time zone! 

-DAY 1-

7:00 am	Virtual Tour (optional)- Includes a walk through of Mighty Network and Q&A!
9:00 am	Virtual Tour (optional)- Discover the Digital Resources provided to you, Zoom and Q&A!
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm	LIVE Opening Ceremony
At Your Pace (Available for 2 weeks post Symposium)	Learn about proficiency and the ACTFL levels with examples or how to establish skills-based and mastery expectations for subject area teachers. In a pre-recorded webinar format.
Pre-Recorded Specialty Sessions *an additional $20 per session (Available for 2 weeks post Symposium)	OWL at the Novice level  OWL at the Intermediate and Advanced OWL for Heritage Speakers  OWL for all Subjects

 

-DAY 2-

8:00 am – 9:15 am	LIVE Session focusing on Whole Teacher Development and target language circle Demo at the Novice level.
10:00 am – 11:00 am	LIVE Webinar in level-specific strands: Community building in the Virtual or Hybrid Classroom
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm	LIVE Webinar in level- specific strands: Proficiency Application in the Virtual or Hybrid Classroom
2:00 pm – 3:00pm	Community Forum: Equity, Social Justice & Anti-racist Work

-DAY 3-

8:00 am- 9:15 am	LIVE Session focusing on Whole Teacher Development and target language Demo at the Novice High to Intermediate Low level.
10:00 am- 12:00 pm	LIVE Webinar in level- specific strands: Target Language Use Classroom Strategies for the Virtual or Hybrid Classroom
12:00 pm- 1:00pm	LIVE Webinar in level- specific strands: Best Practices for High Student Engagement
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm	Virtual Happy Hour

-DAY 4-

8:00 am- 19:15 am	LIVE Session focusing on Whole Teacher Development and target language Demo at the Intermediate Mid to Advanced Low level.
10:00 am- 11:00 am	LIVE Webinar in level- specific strands: Hands-on Application of Strategies and Techniques
12:00 pm- 1:00 pm	LIVE for Closing Ceremony
Pre-Recorded Specialty Sessions *an additional $20 per session (Available for 2 weeks post Symposium)	Assessment and Feedback Virtual or Social Distancing Engagement Curriculum Triangle: Effective Planning Games and Activities for Growth

 

Personalized to your Experience

The OWL Virtual Symposium is personalized and scaffolded to fit goals at various levels. There are level-specific strands, based on participants’ previous experience with proficiency and the methodology.

 

Green Strand

Designed for teachers new to OWL. Whether proficiency is new to you or you have been teaching with proficiency for many years, this strand 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.

 

Blue Strand

This strand is designed for participants who want to develop systems to support proficiency-based learning. Through further exploration of the strategies & techniques introduced in prior OWL training, we go deeper into how to create a space for acquisition.

 

Orange Strand

Designed for the teacher who is seeking collegiality and support systems, this strand 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.

 

All Subjects Strand

This strand is designed for teachers of any subject including Math, Science, Social Studies, English and beyond. This strand will focus on the OWL values and strategies in your subject area, such as helping students feel fearless in your 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 the 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 small group sessions 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 $30 per session. Topics can include: school specific dilemmas and challenges, feedback of a previously recorded classroom session, question and answer, and many more!
• 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.