The Challenge Success 2024 Fall Conference at Bentley University: Full Schedule

Join us this fall to learn research-based, equity-centered strategies to increase well-being, enhance belonging, and deepen engagement for students in your community. Don’t miss this professional development conference for K-12 educators and school partner teams. You will connect with fellow educators, experts, and thought leaders who are transforming the student experience in K-12 schools across the country, deepen your professional learning, and leave inspired and empowered with concrete strategies for your K-12 school community.

Workshops marked with a ⭐ are student-friendly.

4:00pm EDT

Students Connect: Elevating Youth Voices for Change ⭐

Friday September 27, 2024 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT

Jennison 312

At Challenge Success, we believe student voice is an essential component to improving the school experience. In this student-only session, learn how to leverage your voice to advocate for change in your school community. Engage with other students to gain practical strategies to improve student outcomes in well-being, belonging, and engagement.

Presenters

Kimberly Tsai Cawkwell

Director of Programs, Challenge Success

Kimberly Tsai Cawkwell, M.Ed., A proud first-generation Taiwanese American, mother, educator, and creative, Kimberly Tsai Cawkwell has served over thirteen years in the education ecosystem. As a current Director of Programs at Challenge Success and Educational Leadership Advisor at... Read More →

ChèRee Wiley

School Partnership Coach, Challenge Success

Friday September 27, 2024 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
Jennison 312

9:45am EDT

Figuring Out vs. Finding Out: Building Intellectual Endurance for High School Students ⭐

Saturday September 28, 2024 9:45am - 11:00am EDT

Jennison 312

How can educators cultivate intellectual endurance in and out of the classroom? This workshop provides a space for educators to identify and diagnose the challenges learners face when engaging in intellectual work collaboratively. We will explore a framework and strategies that foster deeper engagement with both content and peers. Participants will conduct a self-audit and leave with new methods to frame existing learning experiences, centering on learners and engagement rather than solely on assessment and achievement.

Presenters

Tom Marshall

Social Studies Dept. Chair, Dawson School Lafayette, Colorado

Social Studies Department & Faculty. I support teachers to develop learner-centered experiences and connect with their "why" of education. In the classroom, I have eighteen years of experience as a secondary humanities educator in both public and independent schools. My primary academic... Read More →

Saturday September 28, 2024 9:45am - 11:00am EDT
Jennison 312

11:15am EDT

Fueling School Change with Data

Saturday September 28, 2024 11:15am - 12:30pm EDT

Jennison 312

In this workshop session, a team of educators from The Miami Valley School (MVS) will demonstrate how they used data generated by the Challenge Success Student Survey to drive positive school change. This session will focus on three main areas of the student experience: homework, academic engagement, and stress management. This interactive workshop will invite the audience to imagine how they might source data to drive change in their own school communities.

Presenters

N. Blair Munhofen III, EdD

Director of Upper School, The Miami Valley School

Over the past 14 years, Blair worn many hats at The Miami Valley School (MVS): history and English teacher, advisor, college counselor, and coach (of sports he didn't play). He currently serves as the Director of Upper School, and his favorite part of his job is mentoring students... Read More →

Saturday September 28, 2024 11:15am - 12:30pm EDT
Jennison 312

1:30pm EDT

“Get Them in the Door” Strategies: Proactive Approaches to Encourage Student Visits to the Counseling Office

Saturday September 28, 2024 1:30pm - 2:05pm EDT

Jennison 312

Proactive "get-them-in-the-door" approaches have led to a 30% increase in student visits to the counseling office at The Miami Valley School in just two years. This workshop will explore strategies such as utilizing a "therapy" dog, optimizing room design and setup, fostering strong adult-student relationships through an advisory program, and implementing student leadership committees. Whether you are a teacher, school counselor, or administrator, you will leave with new approaches to better connect with your students.

Presenters

Aaron Eechaute-Lopez

Counselor, The Miami Valley School

Aaron Eechaute-Lopez is a second year school counselor from Dayton, OH. Prior to his role as a school counselor, he spent eleven years as a English teacher in public, private, magnet, alternative, and independent settings. His educational philosophy revolves around making proactive... Read More →

Saturday September 28, 2024 1:30pm - 2:05pm EDT
Jennison 312