WVUSD Mini-University 2025: Full Schedule

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10:15am PST

AI - Bring the "Magic" to the Classroom (45 Minutes)

Friday March 7, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am PST

Join me for a fun and exciting introduction to MagicSchool.ai - one of the leading web-based platforms that utilizes artificial intelligence to make life easier for educators. We will explore the many free tools available to teachers that can be used the moment you leave the session. Whether you are looking to spice up your lesson plans, differentiate worksheets, translate an outbound email, craft an IEP, or simply add some fun new ways for your students to learn, MagicSchool.ai offers these features and so much more. Great for all curricular areas and grade levels. Please bring your charged device to participate in the exploration.

Speakers

Kenneth Weeks

Technology Coach, Walnut Valley USD

Starting in 2001, I began my career in Walnut Valley by teaching for nine years at Westhoff Elementary. From 2010 to 2021, I taught at Chaparral Middle School. For the past four years, I have supported the district and its three middle schools as an Edtech Coach. This has been an... Read More →

Friday March 7, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am PST
E-14

Teaching Certificated, Artificial Intelligence

10:15am PST

Asset-Based Teaching (45 Minutes)

Friday March 7, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am PST

E-2

Asset-based and strength-based teaching are student-centered approaches that focus on identifying and nurturing the unique strengths, talents, and skills of each student. These approaches emphasize building upon existing knowledge and abilities rather than focusing on what students don't know (i.e., deficit teaching). By creating a learning environment that values and utilizes the diverse assets of all students, teachers can empower them to reach their full potential.

Speakers

Jennifer Sorbara

Math & Independent Studies Teacher, RHA & Independent Studies

I've been teaching since before the turn of the century--the more recent one anyway. Started with WVUSD in 2002 at Chapparal, hired by Jan Keating and partnering with my idol Leslie Stoltz. Since then I've spent several years at Walnut HS and now RHA. Known for Design-Based Learning... Read More →

Friday March 7, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am PST
E-2

Teaching Certificated

10:15am PST

Class Companion AI Mentor/Grader: Using AI tools to mentor students and decrease teacher grading. (45 Minutes) LIMITED

Friday March 7, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am PST

E-23

The Class Companion AI Tool is your ultimate teaching and learning partner! This powerful AI streamlines assignment management, delivers personalized study aids, and provides real-time tutoring to boost student success. With built-in analytics, collaboration features, and time-saving tools, it simplifies teaching and makes learning more engaging. Empower your classroom with smarter, faster, and more exciting education! Class Companion works for grades 6-12 and all content areas!

Speakers

Lindsay Arnold

Social Science Teacher, Diamond Bar High School

I’ve been teaching AP U.S. History, AP European History, and IB History at Diamond Bar High School for 20 years. I love helping students make connections between the past and present and enjoy using technology to make history more engaging and interactive. My goal is to create a... Read More →

Emily Clark

Social Science Teacher, Diamond Bar High School

Friday March 7, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am PST
E-23

Teaching Certificated, Artificial Intelligence

10:15am PST

Creating Belonging: Culturally Sustaining Teaching Practices for AAPI Students LIMITED

Friday March 7, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am PST

K-3

Explore practical, easy-to-implement strategies for creating a culturally sustaining classroom environment for AAPI students. Through hands-on activities, reflection, and discussion, teachers will challenge common stereotypes, recognize the individuality of their AAPI students, and build connections as a means to create an academically rigorous environment.

Speakers

Dr. Lindsay Kwock Hu

Education Consultant

Dr. Lindsay is a 20+ year career teacher and instructional coach who teaches how to use culturally sustaining strategies to improve academic achievement. She understands the joys and pressures of the classroom and leverages this to craft the strategies she shares with teachers... Read More →

Friday March 7, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am PST
K-3

Teaching Certificated

10:15am PST

Let the Computer do the Work! Using AI to Create & Grade Assessments(45 Minutes) LIMITED

Friday March 7, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am PST

Increase your arsenal and lessen your load by learning about various Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to create and grade your formative assessments. In this interactive presentations you will have the opportunity to create your own assessments using various websites and tools. Bring your devices to follow along.

Speakers

Nick Blackford

Math Teacher, Walnut High School

Nick Blackford is a math and computer science teacher at Walnut High School. Outside of school, Nick is passionate about the LA Dodgers and his dogs Scout and Kira. Nick enjoys spending time with his wife, Katherine, and two daughters.

Friday March 7, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am PST
F1

Teaching Certificated, Artificial Intelligence

10:15am PST

Mastering the Mental Toolkit: Why Executive Function Matters for School and Career (45 Minutes) LIMITED

Friday March 7, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am PST

E-10

Did you know that Executive Functioning (EF) might be more predictive of future success than IQ? My co-presenter and I will review what executive functioning is and why it is important. We will then provide strategies and resources to help students grow and develop their executive functioning skills https://www.edutopia.org/video/whats-executive-function-and-why-does-it-matter/

Speakers

Barbara Pentangelo

English & Pathways Teacher/Brahma Tech Coordinator, Diamond Bar High School

I am in my 12th year at Diamond Bar High School (DBHS) and within the Walnut Valley Unified School District (WVUSD). Over nine of those years, I taught special education, specializing in English, Science, and Pre-Algebra. For the past three years, I have served as a general education... Read More →

Adriana Garibay

SPED/ ASD Teacher, Diamond Bar High School

Friday March 7, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am PST
E-10

Teaching Certificated

10:15am PST

Math Talks: Number Sense Routines Session 1 : TK - 2nd (45 Minutes) LIMITED

Friday March 7, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am PST

E-16

Brief Overview and Demonstration of Number Sense Routines (NSR):

NSR are short, structured activities that help students build number sense by developing an intuitive understanding of numbers, and their relationships. NSR improve; critical thinking, problem solving, fluency, mathematical discourse, and create a positive classroom community.

This session is designed to give you a brief understanding of NSR and provide resources for you to use in your classroom immediately.

This session will highlight three NSR.

Session 1: TK - 2nd
Notice and Wonder: Jennifer Fetchik
Ways to Make: Mike Miller
How Much?/How Many?: Christina Phillips

Speakers

Jennifer Fetchik

Elementary Learning Specialist, Quail Summit

Jennifer Fetchik has over 25 years of experience in education. She currently is the Elementary Learning Specialist at Quail Summit. She has taught kindergarten, 3rd grade, 4th grade, and served as a reading intervention teacher. As a district trainer for Thinking Maps, Jennifer... Read More →

Christina Phillips

Elementary Teacher, Quail Summit Elementary

With over 27 years of experience in education, Christina is a dedicated third-grade teacher at Quail Summit Elementary who has taught students from kindergarten through fifth grade. In 2022 she was awarded a Cotsen Fellowship which allowed her to further her passion for learning and... Read More →

Mike Miller

1st Grade Teacher, Quail Summit Elementary

Mike has been with WVUSD for 8 years, specifically 1st grade at Quail Summit. His amazing wife, Liz, is also a part of the WVUSD family, teaching TK at Maple Hill. Mike is currently a fellow for The Cotsen Foundation at Quail Summit. His cohort is focused on CGI Math with an emphasis... Read More →

Friday March 7, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am PST
E-16

Teaching Certificated

10:15am PST

Strategies for Multilingual Achievement (45 Minutes) LIMITED

Friday March 7, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am PST

E-20

Empower your multilingual learners with targeted strategies! This professional development session provides teachers with practical tools and techniques to seamlessly incorporate language development across all subjects while offering focused support through designated English Language Development (ELD). Leave prepared to create an inclusive, language-rich environment where all students can thrive.

Speakers

Megan Brown

Elementary Learning Specialist, Evergreen Elementary

My journey in education is fueled by a deep passion for empowering multilingual learners and fostering a love of reading. As an Elementary Learning Specialist and former Title 1 Specialist, I have over ten years of experience teaching kindergarten, first, and third grade, along with... Read More →

Jessica Cadena

Elementary Learning Specialist, Collegewood Elementary

My journey in elementary education spans 13 wonderful years, teaching Kindergarten, 1st, and 5th grades before stepping into my current role as an Elementary Specialist at Collegewood Elementary. As a certified NTC Project GLAD Trainer, I bring specialized expertise in creating engaging... Read More →

Friday March 7, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am PST
E-20

Teaching Certificated, ELD

10:15am PST

The Benefits of National Board Teachers in the Classroom (45 Minutes) LIMITED

Friday March 7, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am PST

B-2

National Board Certification is the most respected professional certification available in education and provides numerous benefits to teachers, students and schools. It was designed to develop, retain and recognize accomplished teachers and to generate ongoing improvement in schools nationwide. Come and learn how to become a part of the 1% NBCTs in the nation!

Speakers

Kellee Lyons

English Teacher, Walnut High School

I have been teaching at English at Walnut High School for the past 26 years. I was hired straight out of the credentialing program at Cal Poly, Pomona. I did my high school student teaching at La Puente High School & my middle school student teaching at South Pointe. I earned... Read More →

Jennifer Maletz

English Teacher, Walnut High School

I have been teaching English at Walnut High School for the past 12 years, including in the AP and IB pathways. I started teaching English in Japan in 1996. I taught at Charter Oak Unified for 10 years. I earned my Masters in Education in 2003 and then became a National Board Certified... Read More →

Friday March 7, 2025 10:15am - 11:00am PST
B-2

Teaching Certificated

10:15am PST

Answer the Prompt: Writing Across All Content Areas (90 Minutes) LIMITED

Friday March 7, 2025 10:15am - 11:45am PST

B-8

This presentation will focus on providing teachers with the knowledge and strategies needed to improve students' technical writing skills. We will explore the similarities between writing prompts across all content areas and offer tools and techniques that all teachers can use to enhance their own writing instruction in the classroom.

Speakers

Alexis Feix

English Teacher, Diamond Bar High School

I have taught English for nine years at Diamond Bar High School across all grade levels, and I currently teach AP Literature and AP Language. My professional focus is providing students with the targeted supports and scaffolds necessary to enhance their writing proficiency. I strive... Read More →

Jazmine Silver

Biology Teacher, Diamond Bar High School

I have been teaching for nine years, covering various levels of Biology, including AP Biology, Pre-AP Biology, and general Biology. I am passionate about maintaining a rigorous curriculum while also helping students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills... Read More →

Friday March 7, 2025 10:15am - 11:45am PST
B-8

Teaching Certificated

10:15am PST

Harmony in the Classroom: Using Traditional Folk Songs and Games to Enhance K-5 Social-Emotional Learning (90 Minutes) LIMITED

Friday March 7, 2025 10:15am - 11:45am PST

B-9

This presentation equips K–5 educators with practical strategies for integrating traditional children’s folk songs and games into Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) instruction. Participants will explore activities tailored to three grade-level groups: Kindergarten–1st, 2nd–3rd, and 4th–5th. Through an interactive format that includes singing, playing, and dancing, teachers will experience the activities firsthand. Attendees will leave with a PDF songbook and video samples of the featured activities. Join us to discover how timeless folk music can enrich learning, foster joy, build connections, and celebrate cultural identities.

Speakers

Joey Navarro

Teacher, Collegewood Elementary

Meet Joey Navarro, a passionate 2nd-grade teacher at Collegewood Elementary, inspiring young minds for nine years! With a BA in Music from Azusa Pacific University and an MS in Educational Leadership from Cal State Fullerton, Joey brings creativity and harmony into the classroom... Read More →

Juanita Wright

Elementary Teacher, Collegewood Elementary

Meet Juanita Wright, an enthusiastic TK educator in her 11th year of teaching! With three teaching credentials and a Master’s in Education, she's dedicated to fostering creativity and growth. Juanita loves singing, though she dreams of playing an instrument, which led her to take... Read More →

Friday March 7, 2025 10:15am - 11:45am PST
B-9

Teaching Certificated, SEL

10:15am PST

STRS Retirement Plan Overview (90 Minutes) LIMITED

Friday March 7, 2025 10:15am - 11:45am PST

H-6 & H-7 (Combined Rooms)

During an upcoming seminar, Bob from the State Teachers Retirement System (STRS) will educate attendees on the STRS Retirement Plan, offering detailed information on its features, options, and benefits. Bob's expertise will provide valuable insight into how the plan works and the advantages it provides to participants, helping attendees gain a better understanding and appreciation for the program. Don't miss this opportunity to learn more about the STRS Retirement Plan from Bob at the seminar.

Speakers

Robert Mazzeo

STRS Retirement Consultant, Human Resources

Friday March 7, 2025 10:15am - 11:45am PST
H-6 & H-7 (Combined Rooms)

Teaching Certificated, Financial Planning

10:15am PST

Tap the Power of 1:1 Writing Conferences (90 Minutes) LIMITED

Friday March 7, 2025 10:15am - 11:45am PST

B-4

Tap the Power of 1:1 Writing Conferences by high leverage conversations with each of your students to dramatically increase their writing.

Speakers

Therapi Kaplan

Elementary Learning Specialist, Westhoff

Rhonda Barnes

Elementary Teacher, Quail Summit Elementary

Janet Ahn

Elementary Teacher, Quail Summit Elementary

Friday March 7, 2025 10:15am - 11:45am PST
B-4

Teaching Certificated

10:15am PST

Vocal Health for the Classroom Teacher: Tips and tricks to keep your voice healthy during the school year (90 Minutes) LIMITED

Friday March 7, 2025 10:15am - 11:45am PST

B-1

Due to the nature of the job, teachers put themselves at risk for voice disorders at a much higher rate than most other professions. Teachers are estimated to be two to three times more likely than the general population to develop a voice disorder. (Martins et al., 2014) Over half of the teaching population reports experiencing a voice disorder at some point in their career. This includes chronic hoarseness or loss of voice, soreness or pain in the throat or neck, or chronic vocal fatigue. This presentation aims to educate the participants on various vocal disorders and vocal health concerns to watch out for. There will be a practical portion of the presentation in which attendees will learn and practice skills to help keep their voices healthy.

Speakers

Taylor Barr

VAPA Teacher, Chaparral Middle School

I have been teaching orchestra at Chaparral for 6 years. Prior to Chaparral, I taught choir, orchestra, drama, and guitar at an IB middle school in Ontario. My primary instrument is cello, but I also consider myself a singer and a multi-instrumentalist. I have a long history of vocal... Read More →

Friday March 7, 2025 10:15am - 11:45am PST
B-1

Teaching Certificated

11:15am PST

AI - Bring the "Magic" to the Classroom (45 Minutes) LIMITED

Friday March 7, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm PST

E-14

Speakers

Kenneth Weeks

Technology Coach, Walnut Valley USD

Friday March 7, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm PST
E-14

Teaching Certificated, Artificial Intelligence

11:15am PST

Class Companion AI Mentor/Grader: Using AI tools to mentor students and decrease teacher grading (45 Minutes) LIMITED

Friday March 7, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm PST

E-23

Speakers

Lindsay Arnold

Social Science Teacher, Diamond Bar High School

Emily Clark

Social Science Teacher, Diamond Bar High School

Friday March 7, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm PST
E-23

Teaching Certificated, Artificial Intelligence

11:15am PST

Creating Belonging: Culturally Sustaining Teaching Practices for AAPI Students LIMITED

Friday March 7, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm PST

K-3

Strategies that are characterized by their ease of implementation and ability to uphold and support various cultural backgrounds and identities in a way that promotes sustainability and inclusivity within a given context. These strategies focus on the intentional inclusion and celebration of diverse cultural perspectives, practices, and values, while also ensuring that the needs and voices of all individuals within a community are acknowledged and uplifted. By incorporating these strategies into everyday practices and interactions, organizations and individuals can create environments that foster mutual respect, understanding, and collaboration among people from different cultural backgrounds and experiences. Ultimately, these culturally sustaining strategies aim to create a more equitable and harmonious society where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and talents.

Speakers

Dr. Lindsay Kwock Hu

Education Consultant

Friday March 7, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm PST
K-3

Teaching Certificated

11:15am PST

Let the Computer do the Work! Using AI to Create & Grade Assessments (45 Minutes) LIMITED

Friday March 7, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm PST

Speakers

Nick Blackford

Math Teacher, Walnut High School

Friday March 7, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm PST
F1

Teaching Certificated, Artificial Intelligence

11:15am PST

Mastering the Mental Toolkit: Why Executive Function Matters for School and Career (45 Minutes) LIMITED

Friday March 7, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm PST

E-10

Did you know that Executive Fuctioning (EF) might be more predictive of future sucess than IQ? My co-presenter and I will review what executive fuctioning is and why it is important. We will then provide strategies and resouces to help students grow and develop their executive fuctioning skills (https://www.edutopia.org/video/whats-executive-function-and-why-does-it-matter/).

Speakers

Barbara Pentangelo

English & Pathways Teacher/Brahma Tech Coordinator, Diamond Bar High School

Adriana Garibay

SPED/ ASD Teacher, Diamond Bar High School

Friday March 7, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm PST
E-10

Teaching Certificated

11:15am PST

Math Talks: Number Sense Routines Grades 3rd - 5th (45 Minutes) LIMITED

Friday March 7, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm PST

E-16

Speakers

Jennifer Fetchik

Elementary Learning Specialist, Quail Summit

Christina Phillips

Elementary Teacher, Quail Summit Elementary

Mike Miller

1st Grade Teacher, Quail Summit Elementary

Friday March 7, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm PST
E-16

Teaching Certificated

11:15am PST

Strategies for Multilingual Achievement (45 Minutes) LIMITED

Friday March 7, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm PST

E-20

Speakers

Megan Brown

Elementary Learning Specialist, Evergreen Elementary

Jessica Cadena

Elementary Learning Specialist, Collegewood Elementary

Friday March 7, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm PST
E-20

Teaching Certificated, ELD

11:15am PST

Tech Showcase for the K-5 Classroom (45 Minutes) LIMITED

Friday March 7, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm PST

Discover technology tools to transform your classroom into an interactive, engaging, and hands-on learning experience. Perfect for educators looking to captivate and inspire their students!

Speakers

Wendy Cadima

Technology Coach, Technology

Wendy Cadima serves as a Technology Coach for the Walnut Valley Unified School District, a role she has held for 15 years. In this capacity, she models engaging and interactive STEM lessons, supports teachers in integrating technology into K-8 curricula, and assists the district in... Read More →

Friday March 7, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm PST

Teaching Certificated

WVUSD Mini-University 2025