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Sheryl McLaughlin and Debra Hicks will present at the VAST Annual Professional Development Institute Conference

Sheryl McLaughlin, science teacher at Jones Middle School, and Debra Hicks, science teacher at Spratley Gifted Center, have been selected to present at the VAST (Virginia Association of Science Teachers) Annual Professional Development Institute Conference. The conference will be held virtually November 12 and 14, 2020 (evenings and Saturday).

McLaughlin will present a workshop entitled Keep Students Engaged. The pedagogy for blended (remote, flipped, online) learning differs from teaching in the classroom. This presentation will demonstrate and share lessons that keep students engaged and enhance learning with fun ways to present assignments: virtual classrooms, Bitmojis, themed assignment documents, escape type room activities, breakout room activities, active student participation, Google Slides, and Google Forms. 

"I am honored to present at this year's VAST conference,” said McLaughlin. “It is always a delight to share with other teachers what I have learned about providing engaging and fun lessons, especially in a virtual setting. I always enjoy attending the VAST conference each year, where I meet friendly, knowledgeable teachers, and learn new and fun activities I can do with my students, and also share with other teachers."

Come Learn How to Create New, Fun Lessons Using Gifted Strategies in the Classroom will be presented by Hicks. This session will show different gifted strategies that can be used by any classroom teacher. Participants will learn ideas and strategies for use in the classroom. Some of the strategies include; choice boards, Kaplan's Icons, and independent learning contracts.

The Virginia Association of Science Teachers (VAST) was formed in 1952 with the mission of promoting excellence in science teaching and learning in Virginia (PreK-16+). The organization continues to thrive with members from across the state who are teachers, supervisors, superintendents, university professors, building leaders, and pre-service students. VAST is the Virginia state chapter of the National Science Teaching Association. Their mission is to: inspire students, provide professional learning opportunities, build partnerships, and advocate for excellence at the school, local, state, and national levels.