SUPCE - November 9, 2024

I Canva believe you used that.

Level: EC, primary

Presenter: Ms. Ana Escobedo, Corpus Christi ISD

Location: University Center 210

New, aspiring, and veteran teachers: Learn new ways to use Canva for education in your classroom.

Exploring cultural diversity in the classroom: What is the teacher’s role?

Level: EC, primary

Presenter: Ms. Bascolyne Day, Promesa College Prep West Corpus Christi

Location: Engineering 107

How can we foster cooperation amongst various social groups and accomplish shared objectives? Explore how diversity in the classroom fosters creativity by providing a forum for students to express themselves. Teachers that expose their students to a variety of creative ideas stimulate them to study, reconsider preconceived views, and develop new ideas and viewpoints. Thus, cultural diversity serves as the foundation for innovative thought and creative thinking.

STEM resources

Level: Primary

Presenter: Ms. Christina Campos, West Oso ISD

Location: CI 106

Let's chat about some STEM Resources: Science fairs, grants, and travel.

Bringing joy as a way to enhance skill development: Behavior science, engagement, and learning to love school

Level: Primary

Presenter: Mrs. Ambra Sherrod, Texas A&M University Corpus Christi & Kingsville ISD

Location: Engineering 106

Learn about basic behavioral principles and the science of why we enjoy things, from a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Further examination on motivation and conditioned motivating operations will demonstrate utility for increasing engagement during instruction and facilitate participants understanding on how to make the classroom a place of joy for diverse groups of students.

Infusing the science of reading into your classroom while providing students with the instruction they deserve

Level: Primary, higher education

Presenter: Dr. Bethanie Pletcher, Mrs. Marilyn Nicol, Mrs. Jennifer Brown, & Mrs. Hannah Stephens Patton-Elliott, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi

Location: University Center 221

How do you implement the science of reading information that the state is requiring while still providing students with the instruction they deserve? We will present several strategies teachers can easily implement into their classrooms to align the science(s) of reading with research and best practice.

Therapy dogs in schools

Level: All levels PK12

Presenter: Ms. Erika Torres, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi

Location: University Center 320

There is intense pressure on children in school environments. Learn about how therapy dogs help children learn social skills, preventing social isolation. Besides positively impacting children's emotional well-being, therapy dogs also contribute to cognitive development. Some of the key benefits of interacting with therapy dogs include Stimulating memory and problem-solving skills. This helps in reducing stress levels that would otherwise affect learning.

The role of schools in addressing the physical inactivity pandemic: Reimagining education as a public health imperative

Level: All levels PK12, higher education

Presenter: Dr. Collin A. Webster, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi

Location: University Center 317

More than 80% of children and adolescents do not meet public health guidelines for daily physical activity and are not reaping the physical, mental, social and emotional benefits of a physically active lifestyle. The school setting presents an unparalleled opportunity to ensure all children meet physical activity guidelines. This presentation focuses on whole-of-school physical activity promotion and its power to leverage both health and academic outcomes among American youth.

The dandelion framework for leadership

Level: All levels PK12, higher education

Presenter: Dr. LeAnne Salazar Montoya, University of Nevada Las Vegas

Location: University Center 216

Leadership Commentary: 6 Capitals to Make or Break Your Success. Seeking to understand the underpinnings of the current tenets of leadership many aspiring leaders seek to navigate the often veiled and mysterious backdrop of the leadership pipeline. After mentoring, modeling, and mirroring skills that today's leaders need, this framework will review key tenets of leadership, especially for underrepresented minority educators.

The STAR Legacy Cycle: An inquiry cycle that mimics the way in which geoscientists and biologists work on research projects.

Level: Middle school, secondary

Presenter: Dr. Cherie McCollough, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi

Location: Engineering 104

The STAR Legacy Cycle is an inquiry cycle that organizes educational resources and lessons in extended inquiry projects, engaging learners in activities that imitate the way scientists approach and solve problems. Through active, collaborative achievement in problem solving, learners acquire knowledge and skills, practice tasks that are real, and adopt the practices of discipline experts.

Creating immersive VR learning spaces without coding

Level: Middle school, secondary, higher education

Presenter: Mrs. Aurelia O'Neil & Mrs. Shelby Sharpe, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi

Location: Engineering 101

In this hands-on session, learn to build customized 3D virtual reality learning spaces for your classroom or organization using no-code platforms. Experience VR's capabilities firsthand to engage students. Bring laptop to participate. Attendees are recommended to bring their own technology to participate in a hands-on session.

Reimagining student outcomes for students with differing abilities: The student-led micro business movement

Level: Secondary, higher education

Presenter: Ms. Grace Aguirre-Garcia, Texas A&M University-San Antonio

Location: Engineering 108

Welcome to the Burleson School for Innovation and Education, where we educate 18+ transition students into the pathway of their dream, be it work, career, post-secondary college or university, and/or independent living. This session will provide both administrators and educators alike a working understanding of how utilizing student-led microbusinesses has changed the life trajectory for many of our students, and you can do it too!

Reimagine servingness as a pedagogical tool for postsecondary transition

Level: Secondary, higher education

Presenter: Dr. Kevin J. Bazner, Ms. Bernadette Flores, Dr. Matthew Tedrow, Kristeen Baum, & Dr. Rosie Banda, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi

Location: CI 107

Come reimagine and rethink how we can foster seamless transitions for Latinx students to higher education. With a focus on Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs), participants will discuss how embracing 'servingness' as a pedagogical and transitional tool can enhance student support, reduce institutional barriers, and empower Latinx students’ journeys from high school through college graduation.

Disproportionate representations of minoritized students in special education: A call to action

Level: Higher education

Presenter: Ms. Gillian Benedetti, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi

Location: CI 108

Students from minoritized populations are more likely to experience racial disparities in special education enrollment (Donovan & Cross, 2002). Researchers purport that this disproportionality likely stems from an inequitable educational system (Cooc, 2019), that is not immune from bias and racism (Harry & Klinger, 2014). What are some conversations that may need to occur to address structural biases?

The importance of play in education

Presenter: Ms. Emily Beaman, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi

The language of play is one all children speak fluidly, and it is important to remember this both outside and inside of the classroom. A big part of keeping education engaging for children involves keeping it fun, something that can be beneficial for teens and adults as well. Teaching through play improves the learning experiences and students' mental health.

Using social and cultural capital to impact success!

Presenter: Dr. Barbara Buckley Greses & Dr. Gerri Maxwell, Corpus Christi ISD & Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi

Understanding the cultural and social capital impacts on an individual's success as a leader is imperative to aiding the Latina Nation. Latinas often serve as superintendents in rural areas of South Texas, impeding their greater impact on the Latino/a student population. The power of the presence of Latinas in leadership as role models is critical (Quiocho & Rios, 2000). Through understanding their tools of social and cultural capital, emerging Latina leaders will learn successful avenues of leadership.

Latina faculty leadership, femtorship, and advocacy at a Hispanic-Serving Institution

Presenter: Dr. Hilda Cecilia Contreras Aguirre, New Mexico State University (virtual)

This poster addresses Latina faculty experiences in their interactions with students using femtoring, the perceived changes needed in the classrooms, and their intentions to be those agents of change on behalf of the Latinx student population.

Latina administrators and superintendents in the Midwest: Where are we?

Presenter: Dr. Celestina Rivera, Leyden High School (virtual)

Learn about the experiences of Latina school administrators. Critical ethnography (Carspecken, 1996) was used to answer the following research question: "Why are there so few Latina administrators and superintendents?" Findings revealed participants believed their race and gender impacted their career advancement. Participants discussed feeling marginalized, tokenized, stereotyped, scrutinized, and left behind by their colleagues.

Elevating Latina leadership in education by examining scholarship, Commitments, and Challenges for Stakeholders

Presenter: Miss Karena Alane Escalante & Dr. Katrina Struloeff, Drexel University School of Education (virtual)

This poster seeks to demonstrate the critical importance of increasing the presence of Latinas in educational leadership by reviewing recent salient research and providing recommendations for educational institutions and allies/champions to remove barriers while creating and holding space for the advancement and retention of Latinas in the field.

Unveiling stigmatization in non-suicidal self-injury: The influence of gender & self-injury methods

Presenter: Miss Shealyn Tomlison, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi

This research unveils differential treatment among non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) subpopulations, contributing to public stigmatization and potentially worsening coping behaviors. It aims to interpret why clinical screening practices disproportionately overlooked certain NSSI subgroups. The present experiment employs a 2x2x3 two-way ANOVA to explore the dynamics of gender and self-injury methods to inform the public and clinical personnel of these concerns.

Supporting our amazing readers: Culturally relevant enrichment

Level: Primary

Presenter: Dr. Socorro Garcia-Alvarado, Dr. Henrietta Muñoz, & Dr. Michelle Janyseck, Texas A&M University San Antonio

Location: Engineering 104

Learn how culturally relevant literacy practices in a summer enrichment program as a partnership between the university and a local school district supported and built on children's cultural wealth.

How can I add middle school research into my classroom?

Level: Middle school

Presenter: Ms. Christina Campos, West Oso ISD

Location: CI 106

This session is geared towards middle school teachers seeking the pathway of research. My hope is to guide you and teach the experiences we have had with our STEM Academy students. Our students have had many opportunities with science research competitions and those memories stay ingrained in their core memories. This experience sets them on a path of continued learning and growing within the field of STEM. My goal is to incorporate positive experiences with research and help my students connect their research to world problems. By adding research into our program we have had the opportunity to advance our students to the upper level competitions in the state. My sessions objectives: How can I get started? Research writing prompt examples? How long should my research writing prompts be?

Finding functions and fixing frustrations: A solutions-focused approach to behavior.

Level: All levels EC-12

Presenter: Mr. Curt Johnson, Corpus Christi ISD & Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi

Location: Engineering 106

Engage in a systematic approach to behavior analysis and intervention. This session will address how concerning behaviors develop, sustain, and change. We will outline responsive and targeted interventions and goals to address the four (read five) functions of behavior.

Prevention of teacher fatigue and burnout

Level: All levels EC-12

Presenter: Dr. Patricia A. Gomez, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi

Location: University Center 317

Teacher fatigue and burnout dominates cultural conversations these days. Increased numbers of articles, podcasts and books are attempting to address this topic. The presenter will share personal experiences and strategies to help keep teacher fatigue and burnout at bay. Let’s talk about it.

Empowering Texas' future workforce with AR/VR/XR: Innovative strategies for CTE

Level: EC-12 & higher education

Presenter: Ms. Jennifer King, zSpace

Location: Engineering 101

Discover how Texas districts, technical schools and community colleges have implemented innovative strategies using virtual, augmented, and mixed reality technologies to enhance workforce development programs. Leave with practical ideas for incorporating AR/VR/XR into your teaching and training, and how to prepare students for STEM careers and industry certifications in health science, agri-science, transportation, advance manufacturing, and more.

Implications of artificial intelligence and extended reality technologies in education (Roundtable discussion)

Level: EC-12 & higher education

Presenter: Ms. Elizabeth Guerra & Mrs. Aurelia O'Neil, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi

Location: University Center Anchor Ballroom 147

AI and XR have significantly transformed multiple industries by providing personalized learning experiences, facilitating precise prediction, and fostering innovation. However, these developments raise ethical concerns such as privacy, data security, and accessibility. Come discuss essential insights into the current applications and future potential of AI and XR technologies in education and beyond.

Understanding STEM concepts through children's literature

Level: Primary, middle school

Presenter: Dr. Faye Bruun, Mrs. Shelby Sharpe, and graduate students of EDCI 5321 Mathematics through Children's Literature, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi

Location: University Center 221

Experience the literature and activities for motivation to understand STEM concepts. Graduate students will share literature for K-8 along with engaging STEM activities. Lesson plans and website http://stemlit.tamucc.edu will be shared. Ready to use and engaging.

Suicidality in adolescents: What to look for & how to help

Level: Middle school, secondary

Presenter: Ms. Joely Diaczenko & Mrs. Leslee O'Neal, STCH Family Counseling

Location: Engineering 108

Suicidality is a leading cause of death among adolescents and continues to become salient through media, making it paramount that professionals are equipped to offer support in the emotional intensity and fear experienced in adolescence. This presentation will discuss initiating conversation around suicidality, identify next steps to ensure safety, and strategies to convey support to overwhelmed adolescents navigating intense experiences.

Art and science of culturally responsive pedagogy in an educator preparation program

Level: Secondary, higher education

Presenter: Dr. Lucinda Nicanora Sohn, University of Texas at San Antonio

Location: CI 108

Experience a snapshot of lesson artifacts representing the culturally responsive pedagogical growth in the classroom from recent UTSA clinical teachers. When in the classroom, clinical/student teachers encounter challenges and celebrations. They are on the precipice of becoming certified teachers. Each of them has revelations about the art and science of teaching through trial, error, empathy, and compassion.

Majors and degree plans: Path of specialization or framework of confinement?

Level: Higher education

Presenter: Dr. Rishi Raj, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi

Location: Engineering 107

In almost all formats of contemporary higher education, students select a major (choice of student) and follow a degree plan (assigned by institution) to earn their collegiate degree. This session explores whether this traditional structure fits well with the needs of today's students, or whether it needs further adaptations with a more interdisciplinary approach.

Formal or informal: Differing approaches to mentorship of Latina doctoral students

Level: Higher education

Presenter: Dr. Angela S. Perez & Dr. Rosie Banda, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi

Location: CI 107

Learn about this case study, which focused on the examination of how faculty mentorship of advanced Latina doctoral students aids in a sense of belonging, persistence, navigational capital, and aspirational capital in their respective doctoral program at a Hispanic-Serving Institution.

In a presentation led by National Board Certified Teacher Dr. Cynthia Hopkins, participants will learn how to safely look at a solar eclipse, plus tips on teaching about live STEM events in general.

Solar eclipse glasses and eclipse-themed drinks and snacks will be provided.

This session takes place in an open plaza that's mostly concrete. There are some picnic tables around the edges with limited seating. If you wish to bring a blanket or a camp chair, you are more than welcome, although it's not necessary. 

This session will take place in the courtyard between the University Center and the Engineering Building. If weather does not allow for outdoor viewing, the session will move indoors to University Center Anchor Ballroom with a video feed.