Was invited to do the Keynote and a breakout session for the 6th Annual Early Childhood Conference.

8:20-9:20 Keynote Presentation (Lecture Hall A/B)
Nurturing Tomorrow: The Foundation of Excellence in Early
Childhood Education, Dr. Matthew Woods

As caregivers and educators of the youngest minds, we have a
responsibility to lay the groundwork for a lifetime of learning and
success for all children! In this special keynote speech, Dr. Woods will
dive into the heart of high-quality expectations in early childhood
education. Dr. Woods will emphasize the critical role of caregivers and
educators in setting and upholding high standards in early childhood
education. Together, we will explore how these expectations form the
foundation of discipline and success, guiding what we do, why we do
it, and how we do it!

Building Relationships: The Foundation of Equity and Cultural
Competence in Early Childhood Settings (Lecture Hall C)
Dr. Matthew Woods

In this session, we will explore why relationships are essential, serving
as the cornerstone of equity and cultural competence in educational
environments. Participants will gain insights into the power of
relationships in fostering a sense of belonging, promoting diversity and
inclusion, and advancing social-emotional learning. Additionally, we
will delve into restorative practices and practical tips for leading
relational work in various roles within early childhood settings.

Participated in the opening general session and led a breakout session:

General Session: Great Teaching Mindsets

Dig in as we explore research-based and high effective strategies, techniques, and perspectives employed by the world's most effective educators.

Cultivating a Positive Classroom Environment: Unveiling the 26 Key Terms of School Etiquette Expectations

The absence of a shared language can lead to a myriad of challenges; impacting instruction and student experience. During this session, we will explore the 26 key terms designed to serve as a foundation for proper classroom etiquette.

Participants will gain insights into the potential consequences of inconsistent communication and behavioral expectations. Moreover, we will discuss practical strategies for implementing these key terms across diverse schools and classroom settings. By the end of the session, attendees will not only understand the importance of a shared etiquette language, but will also be equipped with the tools to integrate these key terms seamlessly into their school's culture.

Keynote speaker for the event.

Led professional development with group of amazing artists; prepping them for their upcoming work a diverse range of students.

Objectives:

Define what constitutes clear and explicit expectations in an educational
setting and articulate their role in fostering a positive learning
environment.

Identify potential challenges or misconceptions related to setting
expectations and provide strategies for overcoming them.

Facilitated professional development on writing composition and text structures.

Conducted high quality walkthroughs for several schools in South Carolina (Williamsburg Co.)

Facilitated training with a group of secondary teachers in Alabama on gradual release of responsibility.

I was selected to facilitate "Model Guidance for Positive and Preventative Student Code of Conduct (Training)" for Region 6 in VA. The training is designed for division superintendents, central office administrators, and building principals.

The training is organized as a continuum of learning and focus on the following areas:
- Aligning local policy with the Model Guidance
- Assisting school divisions with developing and refining leveled response systems to student conduct,
- Developing capacity to analyze SBAR data to address school safety and climate issues,
- Assisting school districts with creating meaningful supportive relationships.

The 20th annual Public Affairs Conference was a mix of free, in-person speakers and live virtual panel sessions that explores the theme, Navigating the Now: Tradition, Innovation and Wisdom in a World of Change.

I was a panelist for the following sessions:

- Cultivating Genuinely Safe Learning Spaces
- Mapping the Historical Narratives of the American People: What is National Identity?

This breakout session will have participants examine the ways in which discipline, policies, and systems interact in relation to students. Participants will gain a greater understanding of how all aspects of the school system contribute to the overall school climate and student well-being and how to make all the pieces work together effectively for all students. This session will provide opportunities to reflect on current practices while incorporating strategies for improvement.

Dig in as we explore research-based and high effective strategies, techniques, and perspectives employed by the world's most effective educators.

I was invited by Virginia Commonwealth University's (VCU) educational leadership professors to speak and create learning resources related to Master Scheduling.

Presentation Title: Make it Make Sense!

This breakout session will have participants examine the ways in which discipline, policies, and systems interact in relation to students. Participants will reflect on their practices while incorporating strategies for improvement.

I participated in a live panel discussion reviewing games and activities on the Cyber Citizenship Initiative site.

I was invited by Virginia Commonwealth University's (VCU) educational leadership professors to speak and create learning resources for their aspiring Edu Leadership cohort📚📖.

I was a panelist for the following sessions:

- Educating for Active Citizenship in Divisive Times
- Society’s Children: Our Future, Whose Responsibility?

I had the opportunity to be a guest on Episode 15 of #SELinEDU! Sharing my thoughts on inclusiveness, social emotional learning, and much more!

I had the opportunity to share my experience being a DEN STAR educator, my inspiration behind the "I Wanna Be" series, and give listeners a glimpse of my recent professional development course, Leading Out the Woods: Building Relationships.

Had the amazing opportunity to speak with KIPP Oklahoma staff (district leaders, principals, and teachers) about Educational Epiphany (the brand, impact data, and the finite strategies that can lead to improvement for student achievement).

Today I talk with Matthew Woods, administrator, children's book author, adjunct professor, speaker, and consultant about how to find and create opportunities in education outside of the classroom.

Matthew has worn many hats in the education space: high school social studies teacher, middle and high school assistant principal, middle school principal, and director of student support services. In addition to his K-12 work, Matthew has also served as an adjunct professor and field instructor at the collegiate level for student-teachers.

In this episode we talk about the unexpected benefits of networking and Matt's advice for pursuing your passions beyond the classroom.

Check out Matt's awesome K-12 podcast Leading Out the Woods and his children's book series I Wanna Be… , starring his one year old son imagining different occupations he would like to grow up to be.

Keep an eye out for Matt's forthcoming leadership book The Sandbox Mentality: Empowering Leadership.

Connect with Matthew

https://mobile.twitter.com/woodfromawoods

https://www.facebook.com/leadingoutthewoods

I was invited to kickoff the 2nd Annual Summer Series for Valor & Grace Literacy Cove. I read one of my children's books to the kids, and signed copies of them that Valor & Grace purchased for the participants.

I was invited on Melody McAllister's book chat show to talk about my children's book series, 'I Wanna Be...'

In collaboration with Rutgers University Alternate Route Graduate School of Education, I co-facilitated a Twitter chat on #GrowthMindset chat on Saturday, May 7th at 10AM (EST). We were joined by nearly 300 teaching candidates, many of whom are very eager to have their thoughts validated or their questions answered.

Was a mentor for a group of Teachers of Promise Mentees, & also presented during a breakout session.

Matt Woods shares his insights on the importance of relationships. He also shares his work and the impact of a book series “I wanna be…”

George Bernard Shaw once said, “The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.” When we talk about meeting the needs of all students and addressing the 'Whole-Child', it first starts with the way we are communicating with them. This session given at the "Washington State ASCD Whole Child Institute" leads participants on reflection and analysis of their processes and procedures for interacting with their students on a daily basis.

Our own EL ('21) Mathew Woods has developed and published a unique children's book series "I Wanna Be..." Join Matthew to learn about the inspiration for the series, the stories Hilton encounters, and how this book can be a fantastic resource for educators and parents alike to inspire children to dream big!

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Teachable Moments: Restorative Discipline

Matt will lead participants in examining the ways they can build-in restorative procedures within their current discipline practices to support inclusiveness for all students to be successful.

I was a facilitator for several Mastermind Circles. Successful Innovations was the host for these Mastermind Circles as well as the FACE (family & community engagement) network. The purpose of the FACE Mastermind Circles is to support educators with ideas, strategies, goals, & challenges related to family engagement.