Instructional Strategies

Speakers: Brooke Peterson and Claire Vaughn, Advent Episcopal School

Learn how traditional schools can innovate within their mission, using local resources for interdisciplinary, project-based learning that engages students deeply. Join this session to explore how Advent Episcopal School, a traditional independent school, has innovated within its framework through Discover Bham, a place-based learning program.

This session will delve into how the program integrates Birmingham’s rich cultural, historical, and scientific resources into the curriculum, creating interdisciplinary and project-based learning opportunities that align with the school’s mission and values. Attendees will learn strategies for blending traditional education with contemporary approaches, leveraging unique local resources, and evaluating student engagement and learning within a traditional setting. Discover practical ways to bridge the gap between innovation and tradition, making learning more relevant and engaging for students.

Speaker: Ann Marsh Rutledge, MV Ventures, The Mount Vernon School

Explore how Instructional Rounds can transform classrooms through collaborative, inquiry-driven observation. This session demonstrates how educators can leverage reflective dialogue and actionable feedback to enhance teaching strategies and foster deeper student learning and growth. By activating professional agency and nurturing a culture of continuous improvement, Instructional Rounds drive lasting innovation in teaching and learning. Join us to discover how this process empowers educators and builds an engaged
community dedicated to sustained impact and transformation in schools.

Speakers: Nicole Martin, The Mount Vernon School, and Ann Marsh Rutledge,The Mount Vernon School

High-quality, student-centered project-based learning is a key pedagogical tool for future-ready schools. In this interactive session, learn how to lead your school toward more effective, rigorous, and engaging project-based learning.

Why would schools utilize project-based learning? How might we create a shared vision and build capacity for PBL at our school? How will we launch next steps toward PBL in our unique organizations? Join us in imagining your school’s journey in PBL!

Speaker: Dr. Ryan Welsh, Providence Day School

How might we enable students to pursue learning at the intersection of their passions and curiosities? How might we develop teachers and school leaders to think of themselves as learning designers? IDEAS@PD offers students and faculty the opportunity to practice the skills and mindsets we need to create learning that moves everyone forward, where Innovation, Design, Entrepreneurship, Analytics, and Sustainability intersect.

This workshop will invite participants to explore the mashups of skills, mindsets, and tools that would best serve the students in their respective school communities. Students currently in Providence Day School’s IDEAS@PD learning experiences will be on hand to facilitate small groups to demonstrate and share their burgeoning skills in creative, collaborative problem-solving. Participants will get to explore their passions and curiosities not limited to the following: design thinking, LEGO, artificial intelligence, maker ed, MadLibs, inquiry-based learning, boatbuilding, eSports, portraiture, and band-aids.