The BreakFree Edupalooza
An online, professional development series for educators working in secure facilities
April 25 - May 6 2022
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A two-week-long series of presentations highlighting innovative and creative practices taking place in schools inside of secure juvenile facilities across the country. Presentations are led directly by teachers and education leaders currently doing the incredible work of making school happen in secure facilities around the country, along with student speakers.
The goal of BreakFree's Edupalooza is to shine a positive light on individuals who are taking on this challenge, and to encourage and provide other educators with the tools and network of support needed to do the same.
Schedule at a Glance
(scroll down to view full list of workshop & Events)
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2022 Workshops
All workshops below will be shared via the daily email to Edupalooza registrants
25
APR
Mon
Stories with Style
Stories with Style was developed through a project based learning opportunity for system impacted youth in Kings County, California and is focused on students' knowledge of self and community. Students study the history of hip hop and work with teaching artists as they analyze hip hop lyrics and express themselves through the arts: beat making, visual design, and poetry/rap. This workshop will include projects created by the students and will delve into the pedagogical design of this work.
Presenter: Elizabeth Norris and Ed Campos
25
APR
Mon
An Educator's Journey
Being a teacher is a job. Being an educator is a journey. This workshop will define both teacher and educator and will use the experience of a seasoned educator to discuss the importance of knowing when to be a teacher, an educator, or both in the classroom.
Presenter: Sondra Mullen
25
APRMon
Encourage Curiosity through Science
Encouraging curiosity is vital to creating students who ask powerful questions. This workshop will demonstrate how to encourage curiosity through the importance of hands-on science experiments while showcasing specific projects such as the water wheel design and balloon powered cars.
Presenter: Danielle Maco
26
APR
Tues
Strategies for Tough Conversations
Whether it be a discussion around race in social studies or a book club conversation that gets into themes of trauma, this workshop will share tips for managing those conversations in a healthy and effective way.
Presenter: Selena Guilbeaux and Raven Cole
26
APR
Tues
Building Strong Teachers
According to a case study of juvenile justice educators, teachers need to feel a sense of community and appropriate professional development. This workshop will present the findings of this case study along with key takeaways to help education leaders build strong teachers.
Presenter: Dr. Rebeca Porter
26
APR
Tues
Finding the Balance in a 1:1 Device Program
Finding the balance between allowing teachers and students to use technology in innovative ways and keeping students safe while online is a complex task. Highlighting the 1:1 device management program at York High School located inside Cook County Jail in Chicago, IL, this workshop will discuss a multi-layered approach to device management that allows students to safely use technology in the classroom.
Presenter: Stephen Godfrey and Abraham Watson
27
APR
Wed
Create a Sustainable Digital Program
Creating a sustainable digital program begins with asking the right questions. This workshop will discuss the most prominent questions and offer creative solutions to problems that often arise in technology rich programs.
Presenter: Dr. Kaylah Holland and Kat Crawford
27
APR
Wed
Empowering Students through Feedback
Using feedback as a power strategy allows students to move from fixed to growth mindset. This workshop will offer specific strategies for dealing with challenges through practical feedback that empowers students to believe in themselves.
Presenter: Amber Jones
28
APR
Thur
Unlocking the Magic of Participation
The magic of participation involves key structures that invite students to not only engage in a lesson but actively participate. This workshop will discuss the necessary key structures for engaging students to unlock their participation.
Moderator: Meg Bolger
28
APR
Thur
The Science of Reading
Using research-based practices, this workshop will showcase a diagnostic assessment used to identify foundational reading deficits; the workshop will provide teaching strategies that employ both technology and tactile resources designed to teach struggling readers with age appropriate activities.
Presenter: Kelly Rowland, Jason Moore, and Cari Marks
29
APR
Fri
Creating Pathways to Success through a Positive School Climate
Students in juvenile justice facilities have been let-down by the traditional school system, but with the right mindset, we can leverage opportunities to help build strong student learners. This workshop will demonstrate how to create a pathway to success with high academic expectations and vocational aspirations.
Presenter: Dr. Lisa Simone and Jack Kitching
29
APR
Fri
Games Power Learning
Using games in the classroom encourages students to think critically, ask big questions, and collaborate in meaningful ways. This workshop will focus on positive ways to incorporate games into the classroom while highlighting BreakoutEDU and Explore Learning Gizmos.
Presenter: Meghan Goseah
Edupalooza Sponsors
Thank you to the below sponsors who made Edupalooza possible!
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Maggie Kennedy
&
Patrick Collins
FAQ
Who should participate in the BreakFree Edupalooza?
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The Edupalooza is designed for teachers and education leaders who work in juvenile detention and similar settings. Some of the workshops will be teacher-focused; others will delve into issues more relevant to school principals, school district and juvenile justice agency leadership. We will label workshops to help individuals know in advance who the most relevant audience is for each session.
Is there a fee to participate?
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All of the workshops and the entire week-long BreakFree Edupalooza is free.
What is the format of the event?
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The BreakFree Edupalooza will be virtual. Some of the workshops will be pre-recorded and others will be held live and also recorded so that participants can watch them at their convenience.
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Preliminarily we anticipate sharing a morning email that announces the day’s workshops. Each day we will post a number of 20 to 30 minute pre-recorded workshops ready and available for viewing. In addition, each day we will host a live (and recorded) close-out event. The daily close-outs will include brief Q & A with presenters whose workshops were featured that day, a focus speaker/topic, and fun activities (such as a talent show and open mic/spoken word competition). We will also have an active social media presence during the BreakFree Edupalooza, sponsoring twitter chats, facebook posts/live events, and more.
Can the workshop videos be used to facilitate group or school-wide Professional Development Workshops or are they meant to be watched/used individually?
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Many of the pre-recorded workshops will work well as starter exercises for school- or agency-wide professional development activities. We encourage school leaders to consider organizing site-based trainings around the workshop recordings. Many of the workshops will also work well for educators to participate individually, on their own.