Click Here to Access the Schedule of Events

Note the Schedule of Events may have slight session time changes due to the rescheduling. 

Click Here to Access the Symposium Session Descriptors

We know our curriculum is a living, breathing document, but this is not enough. We must find ways to bring our curriculum to life to help engage our students as they move towards proficiency of the Missouri Learning Standards. What does this mean, though, and how can we accomplish this task? Join us at our Winter Symposium as we look at ways to make our curriculum more exciting and robust.

Day 1 – February 17th: The conference begins with a full day of learning as we hear from DESE Math Content Director Traci Gardner as she addresses Shifting Classroom Practices to Lead to Mathematical Proficiency. ELA Content Director Kayla Stewart will merge ELA and Social Studies by sharing how Using Primary/First-Hand Sources of Missourians to Bring ELA non-Fiction to Life can raise the pulse of our ELA curriculum.  This day will also feature guest speaker Alex Demczak as he presents on “Bringing Leadership to Life”; as well as a Q&A panel discussion focusing on Competency-Based Learning. The day will end with a Symposium Networking Dinner where participants can relax, share thoughts and ideas with fellow attendees, and enjoy a catered meal with each other.

Additional Session Added:

Using Generative Artificial Intelligence Tools in the Science Classroom

Discover how generative AI can transform science education! This session will explore practical AI tools that enhance lesson planning, prompts to create simulations, generate lab activities, and support student research. Learn to integrate AI effectively while encouraging critical thinking and scientific inquiry in your classroom.

Day 2 – February 18th:  Our learning continues on day two as we learn about Addressing the Needs of Secondary Teachers and Students from DESE Directory of Early Literacy, Oliva Apsher. Social Studies Content Director Rhett Oldham will continue breathing life into our symposium through his presentation, Using Missouri Museums to Enhance Your Social Studies Experience.  Shaun Bates, DESE Coordinator of Standards, Curriculum, and Assessment will round out our day as he provides relevant assessment updates from DESE.

Make plans now to join us and your colleagues as we learn more about “Bringing Our Curriculum to Life.”

SMCAA Member District: $250.00 pp

SMCAA Member District Team of 3 or more: $225.00 pp; each person must complete a registration form.

Non-Member District: $350.00 pp

Reservation Cut-Off Date: To Secure reservations, call Old Kinderhook at 573- 317- 4314. Ask for the SMCAA Rate of $119.60 per night. Room rate cutoff deadline is January 17, 2025. After this date the rate will only be honored based upon availability.