2020 UTeach STEM Educators Virtual Summit
Rather than meet in person at our annual conference, we met virtually and shifted our focus to how UTeach has and will adapt to address the challenges associated with increasingly complex learning environments and persistent inequities.
Read: Preparing Teachers Now and For the Future: UTeach Networked Improvement in Action
We'd like to thank everyone who attended sessions during our virtual summit June 30 and July 1, 2020. Your dedication to equity, diversity, and inclusion is inspiring. Your determination to provide the best possible learning and support for K-12 students and UTeach students preparing to become teachers—especially during this time of uncertainty—is extraordinary. Your creativity in approaching these challenges and sharing ideas is energizing.
Thank you for being part of the national STEM education community and for allowing the UTeach Institute to provide a venue for sharing your ideas and collaborating to improve STEM education for all.
See all the great sessions from 2020 below!
Tuesday, June 30, 2020
10:00–11:30am | Welcome and Opening Plenary with Keynote Speaker David Laude
The Student-Centered Classroom
Professor Laude describes his 30-year journey as a chemistry professor at UT Austin from being teacher-centered to student-centered, with the success of every student he teaches now his priority. Considered more broadly, he describes the University’s student success initiative that led to remarkable improvements in graduation rates. Of more topical concern, Professor Laude will also address what he has learned about maintaining a student-centered approach to instruction during the pandemic.
12:00–1:15pm | Sessions
UTeach Graduate Panel: Lessons Learned
Hear directly from a panel of seasoned UTeach alumni about their experiences with remote teaching and learning. The panel will delve into topics including assessment, student support, and what inquiry-based learning looks like online.
UTeach Student Recruitment in the Era of COVID 19
Discuss strategies for addressing the unique challenges and opportunities in recruiting students into UTeach programs.
Addressing Issues of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in Remote Learning
Discuss successful remote teaching strategies to ensure equitable and inclusive instruction in both K-12 and university contexts.
2:15–3:30pm | Sessions
Strategies for Nurturing UTeach Community: Taking Care of One Another
Consider and discuss the novel ways we are all working to support and further build community in UTeach programs while we are at a distance.
Developing Instructional Leadership Through the Knowles Teacher Initiative
UTeach teachers who are also Knowles Fellows will share their experiences and inform attendees of the opportunities available to develop leadership skills through the prestigious Knowles Teacher Fellowship
2:15–3:45pm | Session
Supporting K-12 Students in a Remote Learning Context
Participate in a collaborative discussion with UTeach alumni about the ins and outs of supporting K-12 students in a remote learning context. Attendees will collaborate on a working document to gather best practices, thoughts, and ideas as we plan for the fall.
2:15–4:15pm | Special Retreats
Co-Director Retreat
Join other UTeach program co-directors for networking and collaboration. This session is restricted to UTeach co-directors.
Master Teacher Retreat
Join other UTeach Master Teachers for networking and collaboration. This session is restricted to UTeach Master Teachers.
4:30–6:00pm | Here's To You: Toasts of UTeach
Grab your favorite beverage and join your colleagues for networking and toasting this year's USEA award winners.
5:30–6:00pm | CS and PD Information Sessions
Find out more about UTeach Computer Science and UTeach Professional Development!
Wednesday, July 1, 2020
10:30–11:45am | Sessions
Adapting UTeach Curriculum for the Times
Join instructors to discuss the various ways individual UTeach courses are being adapted for remote and blended instructional environments. There will be individual sessions held for each UTeach course.
Teaching Inquiry Remotely
Inquiry. Manipulatives. Hands-on. Student-Centered. When it comes to online learning, it’s hard to imagine how to incorporate these high-engagement techniques into your lessons. Join us for a discussion on how to make your online lessons into inquiry-based lessons.
12:45–2:00pm | Sessions
Addressing the Social and Emotional Needs of Students During Remote Learning Instruction
Discuss challenges and solutions for supporting the social and emotional needs of K-12 students during remote instruction. We’ll also delve into what it might be like to kick off a school year virtually and strategize about building a classroom community and establishing trust in that environment.
Diversifying the STEM Teacher Workforce
Join a panel discussion addressing the challenges and opportunities related to creating a diverse STEM teacher workforce. Learn more about the HBCUTeach initiative and participate in the conversation about what UTeach programs can do to diversify their programs.
2:30–4:00pm | Closing Panel: Fall 2020: Starting Strong
We did it! We pivoted to remote instruction and virtual teacher preparation this spring and learned a lot along the way. As a professional learning community, what will we carry forward into the fall semester? Hear from a diverse panel about the plans to further strengthen UTeach instruction and support for students and alumni.
