SAVE THE DATE!!!!
Mark your calendars for the Innovative Teaching Summit 2024, scheduled to take place on Friday, October 25, 2024! Building upon the foundation laid by Dr. Summers, the ITS continues to evolve, offering even greater opportunities for educators to connect, learn, and grow.
This year, we're excited to introduce a new option: a limited number of sessions will be offered virtually to accommodate educators with busy schedules who may otherwise struggle to attend in person. We look forward to connecting with educators across the region whose passions lie in supporting underserved students, integrating STEM concepts into their teaching, or leveraging technology for educational advancement.
At Vincennes University, our mission is to develop people and enhance communities through accessible, high-quality educational programs. The Innovative Teaching Summit embodies this mission. This event aligns seamlessly with VU's vision of being a premier learning institution known for innovation and the delivery of successful educational experiences.
Save The Date:
Event: Innovative Teaching Summit 2024
Date: Friday, October 25, 2024
Location: Vincennes University
The Innovative Teaching Summit can be found on Facebook and Linked In. The link to our event website is https://vuits.my.canva.site/.
Questions? Contact Jamie Singleton, Coordinator Innovative Teaching Summit

2023
Innovative
Teaching Summit
Vincennes university
Friday, October 27th
8:30 am - 3:30 PM
$25 (includes lunch)

Keynote Speaker:
Brenny Kummer
A 20-year veteran classroom educator, Dr. Chad LeDune believes that the right mindset enables life’s ups and downs to mold us into the best version of ourselves. Chad is passionate about empowering people to step outside their comfort zones and into personal and professional growth. Dr. LeDune currently works for Southwest School Corporation in Sullivan, Indiana. He has enjoyed partnerships with the Chinese Education Connection, Dolphin STEM Academy, and the Indiana Migrant Education Program. Dr. LeDune holds a Master’s Degree in STEM Leadership, a Master’s Certification in STEM Education, and recently finished his doctoral degree in instructional technology. In 2020, Chad wrote his inspirational book Discomfort by Design, promoting an instructional model that fosters academic, life, and social skills in all students.
Science of Reading
Sessions
On May 25, 2023, Chalkbeat reported that the Hoosier State has officially joined a growing number of states in championing phonetic instruction for young learners.
Thanks to a new state law, backed by both sides of the aisle and signed by Gov. Eric Holcomb on May 4, Indiana school districts are now required to adopt curriculum materials aligned with the science of reading.
But what exactly is this science of reading? It's defined as a comprehensive body of scientifically proven research, demanding the "explicit, systematic" use of five key elements in literacy instruction: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.
Ready to dive deeper into the Science of Reading? The Innovative Teaching Summit has got you covered!
Our "Science of Reading" track offers FOUR 50-minute workshops courtesy of Five Star Technology Solutions.
Plus, Amplify, the host of the Science of Reading Podcast, will present a 50-minute session on Scarborough’s Reading Rope.


Diverse Learners
Sessions





Diverse Learners
Sessions devoted to diverse learners are designed to equip educators with innovative strategies for teaching students from diverse backgrounds. These sessions will focus on effective techniques for students with a wide range of characteristics, such as cultural backgrounds, language proficiency, learning styles, cognitive abilities, socioeconomic status, gender, sexual orientation, physical abilities, giftedness, neurodiversity, and behavioral/emotional needs. Recognizing and addressing this diversity is CRUCIAL for creating inclusive educational experiences where EVERY student has the opportunity to succeed and reach their full potential.
Our “Diverse Learners” track will offer sessions from:
Indiana Center on Teacher Quality on Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS)
PATINS on Assistive Technology
IDOE Office of Student Support and Accessibility
Brenny Kummer on Universal Design for Learning
Easterseals Crossroads on Assistive Technology
Applied Behavior Center for Autism on Autism and ABA: An overview of Applied Behavior Analysis
Teacher and Student Well-Being
Sessions
Teacher and student well-being is crucial for fostering a positive learning environment, enhancing mental health, and improving the overall quality of education. It contributes to teacher retention, holistic student development, and equitable access to education. Moreover, prioritizing well-being equips individuals with lifelong skills for managing challenges. Ultimately, it has a positive impact on communities and society, making it an essential aspect of education that schools and institutions should actively support and promote.
Our "Teacher and Student Well-Being" track will offer sessions from:
Jesse Coomer on Emotional Regulation through Breath
Bill Loffer and Kelsey Carr on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Training
Ellie Herman, PT, DPT from Good Samaritan Hospital on Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy
Professor Misty Bonhert on Research, Tips, and Tricks for Making Activity and Personal Wellness a Priority



STEM
Sessions




STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields are deeply intertwined with innovation. They provide the essential knowledge and skills needed for creative problem-solving and new discoveries. STEM is at the heart of technological progress and encourages collaboration between different areas of expertise, often resulting in new and inventive products and services. STEM also drives research and development efforts, not just in traditional fields, but also in finding fresh solutions to important global problems. STEM-based innovation fuels economic growth, enhances global competitiveness, and plays a vital role in tackling critical issues such as climate change and healthcare. STEM forms the foundation of innovation across various areas, driving progress and improving our society.
Our “STEM” track will offer sessions from:
Purdue IN- MaC on STEM Lab Design and Use
MOSS Educational & Industrial Training Solutions on Robot Dogs in Education
Five Star Technology Solutions on STEM Cadres, STEM Certification, and STEM PD
Dr. Chad LeDune on Applying STEM Design Thinking to the Learning Process
Educational Technology and Innovation
Sessions
Educational technology (EdTech) is instrumental in driving innovative teaching practices. It enables personalized learning experiences tailored to individual students, fosters active engagement through interactive multimedia tools, and promotes inclusivity and accessibility. EdTech facilitates collaboration and communication, supports data-driven instruction, and expands global learning opportunities. Additionally, it empowers teachers with continuous professional development resources and enables experimentation with new teaching methods and technologies. Whether in remote or traditional classrooms, EdTech enhances education by creating dynamic, student-centered learning environments, ultimately preparing learners for the demands of the modern world.
Our "Educational Technology and Innovation" track will offer sessions from:
Barry Stone on Navigating Canva
Dr. Chad LeDune on Ed Tech Solutions for Personal and Student Growth
Brenny Kummer
Shoals Agriculture, Construction, and Engineering Classes on Innovative Shop Class Projects
Flaget Elementary School on collaboration with Get Your Teach On
Indiana State University Foreign Language Panel on Innovative Ways to Grow Foreign Language Programs



Technology Playground





Our technology playground is a designated area or space where conference attendees can engage with and explore various educational technologies and tools in a hands-on and interactive manner. It serves as a practical and experiential component of the conference, allowing attendees to learn about the latest advancements in educational technology and how these tools can enhance teaching and learning.
Questions? Contact :
Jamie Singleton, Coordinator Innovative Teaching Summit
Mailing Address
Shircliff Humanities Building, Room B208
1002 North First Street
Vincennes, Indiana 47591
Email Address
jsingleton@vinu.edu
Phone Number
812-888-5370
