February 6, 2021
February 20, 2021
Building better writers in the COVID era
Even under “normal” circumstances, teaching writing is hard.
Educators at every level wrestle with writing because there is so much to teach and so little time to teach it well. And with COVID-era challenges, it’s harder than ever to make writing a priority.
At Smekens Education, we know you want to build better writers. In order to do that, you need a plan for teaching writing that’s rooted in practical, best-practice strategies. That’s why we are hosting the Super Saturday Writing Conference!
This fun and engaging day of learning will feature more than 25 virtual, interactive sessions that will bolster your writing instruction whether you’re teaching students in person or remotely.
No matter if you are new to teaching writing or a seasoned pro, Super Saturday will provide the methods and motivation you need to build better writers!
Choose from 25 sessions offering practical strategies to teach writing both in-person & remotely
PLAN & ORGANIZE
Convert the writer’s workshop from in-person to virtual
Collaborate & engage despite social distancing
Honor the most important “F” in class—Feedback
Plan the year of writing units (Grades 2-12)
Teach developmentally appropriate writing all year (Grades K-2, ELL)
LESSON ESSENTIALS
Target the Six Traits within your daily writing instruction
Deliver best-practice lessons regardless of your classroom setting
Maximize the I do component of every lesson
Support writers at home and school with procedural lessons
WRITE ABOUT THE TEXT
Advance from retelling to summarizing to main idea
Target opinion-based reading responses in K-2
PD on a Saturday??
Ok, let’s face it—teachers are being stretched to the limit, and weekends are a cherished pocket of personal time. So why would you want to attend a full-day workshop on a Saturday?
Super Saturday is going to be super fun! With free digital giveaways and periodic prize drawings, everyone will be a winner.
You will learn so many practical, ready-to-use strategies, you’ll be excited to return to school on Monday.
Substitute teachers are virtually nonexistent at most schools, making mid-week attendance nearly impossible. Even if you could find a sub, attending on a Saturday means no sub plans!
Attending on a Saturday allows you to participate from the comfort of your own home.
Don’t want to give up your Saturday? No problem! Register anyway so that you have on-demand access to the entire conference after the live event concludes.
Earn continuing education credit
Receive a certificate reflecting 5.25 hours of professional development when you attend the full event on February 6 or February 20, 2021.
Choose your date
February 6, 2021
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. EDT
$199/person
February 20, 2021
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. EDT
$199/person
Groups of 20 or more, contact us for special pricing and arrangements.
What you’ll get:
More than 5 hours of relevant and engaging PD
Downloadable handouts & digital resources for every session
On-demand access to video replays of every session until May 31, 2021
Completion certificate showing 5.25 hours of PD
Practical strategies you can use right away whether you’re teaching in person or remotely
Tools & motivation to impact every student
What to expect from a Smekens Writing Conference
You walk away with all the materials you need to go back and implement immediately. It’s easy to follow, very real-world.
Kelley Grate
Literacy Coach,
Bon Air Elementary, Kokomo, IN
Students’ motivation, enjoyment that they get from the lessons I take from here and then apply into my classroom—it’s engaging for them!
Tara Vogt & Aimee Wesling
7th & 8th Grade Teachers
Westview Jr. Sr High School, Topeka, IN
I was a little bit nervous about teaching writing because it wasn’t in my comfort zone. Now we are writing in math, social studies, science, and responding to reading.
Nicole Detres
3rd Grade Teacher
Liberty School, Orland Park, IL
Who attends this conference?
High-Ability Teachers
Meet the presenters
Kristina Smekens
Learn more about Kristina
A master of motivation, Kristina helps educators find the encouragement they need to return to their classrooms and execute change.
Courtney Gordon
Learn more about Courtney
Known both for her enthusiasm and expertise, Courtney is a dynamic personality who makes friends fast and serves as a trusted guide to teachers across the K-12 spectrum.
With more than 10 years of experience as a Smekens literacy consultant, Courtney has the expertise to support teachers at every level of implementation.
Shona Lansdell
Learn more about Shona
Always approachable and empathetic, Shona taps into her 25 years of experience as a teacher, coach, and building leader to offer practical and realistic guidance to teachers.
This professional development dynamo packs a punch with crowds of all sizes as she motivates educators to apply best-practice literacy strategies.
Bridget Longmeier
Learn more about Bridget
Bridget loves to learn, grow, and help others. That’s why she’s so motivated to come alongside teachers as they execute best-practice instruction in reading and writing.
Bridget’s career as an elementary teacher, literacy coach and Reading Recovery-trained practitioner has equipped her with the skills to help new and experienced educators alike.
Kristi McCullough
Learn more about Kristi
Her rich experiences as a teacher, professor, coach, author, and literacy consultant allow Kristi to offer practical, classroom-tested support to elementary educators.
Rachel Remenschneider
Learn more about Rachel
She and her colleagues at Leo Elementary made a difference with their students by continuing with a new brand of school after COVID-19 caused a fast pivot for teachers, students, and families.
FAQs
Can I earn Professional Growth Credits?
With prior approval from the attendee’s school district, participants may receive credit for 5.25 hours of professional development for participating in this virtual workshop. After the workshop concludes, attendees will be awarded a Certificate of Participation which can be used to verify attendance. Visit our Continuing Education Credit page for more information about how this workshop fulfills your state’s unique continuing education requirements.
Can I earn Graduate-Level Units?
We are making plans for Super Saturday Writing Conference attendees to be able to earn up to 3 graduate-level semester credits/units through a partnership with University of the Pacific. More details will be added soon.
What is the workshop itinerary?
The conference will begin at 9 am. and end at 4 p.m. (Eastern Daylight Time). More specifics about the itinerary will be released soon.
Will this workshop be recorded?
Yes, you can watch the replays of all 25 sessions until May 31, 2021!
Do you offer a group discount?
For groups of 20 or more, contact us for special pricing and arrangements.
Will I receive a note-taking handout?
What is the cancellation policy?
If you have a change in plans and need to cancel your registration, please submit your request to workshops@smekenseducation.com. Cancellations and a full refund may occur at any time prior to the workshop.
Ready to reignite your writing instruction?
Have a Question?
Complete the form below or call (888) 376-0448.