GCU Character Ed Summit 3

GCU Character Ed Summit 3

11:00am PST

Beyond the Classroom: Making a Real-World Impact through Service Learning

Friday January 24, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm PST

Service learning allows students to practice character skills and learn course standards while serving the community. Learn practical ways to incorporate service learning into your classroom.

Speakers

Dr. Kara Chism

Director of the M.S. in Instructional Leadership program for Samford University’s Orlean Beeson School of Education

Dr. Kara Chism is the Director of the Master of Science in Instructional Leadership program for Samford University’s Orlean Beeson School of Education, assistant professor in the educational leadership graduate program, and a consultant for the character education non-profit, The... Read More →

Friday January 24, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm PST
Javelina Room

Parallel Breakouts

11:00am PST

Empowering Educators: The Importance of Teacher Self-Awareness and Character Education for Effective Teaching

Friday January 24, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm PST

Roadrunner Room

This session delves into how educators' self-awareness influences their teaching practices and relationships with students. We will highlight the role of character education in fostering a supportive and ethical learning environment, showing how teachers who model self-reflection and strong values can inspire the same in their students. Attendees will gain insights and practical strategies for integrating self-awareness and character education into their classrooms for a transformative impact.

Speakers

Samantha Ness

Social Science Teacher

Samantha (Sam), is a sixth-year Social Science teacher in the West Valley of Phoenix, a two time Gilder Lehrman awardee, National World War I Museum and Memorial fellow, and fellow with the University of Michigan. Graduating from Grand Canyon University in 2018 and relocating from... Read More →

Friday January 24, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm PST
Roadrunner Room

Parallel Breakouts

11:00am PST

The Student Experience: More Than Just a Slogan on the Wall

Friday January 24, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm PST

Lope Main Stage

Are the words on the marquee of your school or the mission statements printed on the banners in your hallways indicative of the school experience that your students perceive each day? The words we paint on the walls of the school or the pledges we recite during morning announcements may be empty promises if we are not acutely aware of the student experience in our schools. In this session, we will explore the idea of the student experience, the role of character development, and implications for change to positively impact our school community.

Speakers

Dr. Lance Forman

Associate Professor and Director of the Educational Leadership Program at Lipscomb University

Lance Forman is an Associate Professor and Director of the Educational Leadership Program at Lipscomb University. While his official capacities involve working with aspiring school leaders, he serves the College of Education in a number of ways in including supporting the Ed.D. program... Read More →

Friday January 24, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm PST
Lope Main Stage

Parallel Breakouts

11:00am PST

Vision with Balance

Friday January 24, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm PST

As educators, we must maintain Vision to see that our work will bear fruit, gradually, in time through the lives of our students. Vision will keep us from simply becoming efficient decision makers or effective problems solvers; we must be school leaders who shape culture by finding the balance between principles and people; between compliance and character. The session breakdown will begin with emphasizing the importance of Vision with perspective to discern the comma pitfalls of educators and school leaderships when it comes to fostering virtue literacy and character development.

Speakers

Kyle Navarrette

Headmaster of Glendale Preparatory Academy

Kyle Navarrette brings two decades of teaching and administrative experience in private Christian, charter, and classical education in Arizona. For the past seven years, Mr. Navarrette has served as Headmaster of Glendale Preparatory Academy, a 6th through 12th grade classical charter... Read More →

Friday January 24, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm PST
Cardinal Room

Parallel Breakouts

1:00pm PST

Vision with Balance

Friday January 24, 2025 1:00pm - 1:15pm PST

As educators, we must maintain Vision to see that our work will bear fruit, gradually, in time through the lives of our students. Vision will keep us from simply becoming efficient decision makers or effective problems solvers; we must be school leaders who shape culture by finding the balance between principles and people; between compliance and character. The session breakdown will begin with emphasizing the importance of Vision with perspective to discern the comma pitfalls of educators and school leaderships when it comes to fostering virtue literacy and character development.

Speakers

Kyle Navarrette

Headmaster of Glendale Preparatory Academy

Kyle Navarrette brings two decades of teaching and administrative experience in private Christian, charter, and classical education in Arizona. For the past seven years, Mr. Navarrette has served as Headmaster of Glendale Preparatory Academy, a 6th through 12th grade classical charter... Read More →

Friday January 24, 2025 1:00pm - 1:15pm PST
Cardinal Room

Parallel Breakouts

1:00pm PST

Beyond the Classroom: Making a Real-World Impact through Service Learning

Friday January 24, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm PST

Service learning allows students to practice character skills and learn course standards while serving the community. Learn practical ways to incorporate service learning into your classroom.

Speakers

Dr. Kara Chism

Director of the M.S. in Instructional Leadership program for Samford University’s Orlean Beeson School of Education

Dr. Kara Chism is the Director of the Master of Science in Instructional Leadership program for Samford University’s Orlean Beeson School of Education, assistant professor in the educational leadership graduate program, and a consultant for the character education non-profit, The... Read More →

Friday January 24, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm PST
Javelina Room

Parallel Breakouts

1:00pm PST

Empowering Educators: The Importance of Teacher Self-Awareness and Character Education for Effective Teaching

Friday January 24, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm PST

Roadrunner Room

This session delves into how educators' self-awareness influences their teaching practices and relationships with students. We will highlight the role of character education in fostering a supportive and ethical learning environment, showing how teachers who model self-reflection and strong values can inspire the same in their students. Attendees will gain insights and practical strategies for integrating self-awareness and character education into their classrooms for a transformative impact.

Speakers

Samantha Ness

Social Science Teacher

Samantha (Sam), is a sixth-year Social Science teacher in the West Valley of Phoenix, a two time Gilder Lehrman awardee, National World War I Museum and Memorial fellow, and fellow with the University of Michigan. Graduating from Grand Canyon University in 2018 and relocating from... Read More →

Friday January 24, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm PST
Roadrunner Room

Parallel Breakouts

1:00pm PST

The Student Experience: More Than Just a Slogan on the Wall

Friday January 24, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm PST

Lope Main Stage

Are the words on the marquee of your school or the mission statements printed on the banners in your hallways indicative of the school experience that your students perceive each day? The words we paint on the walls of the school or the pledges we recite during morning announcements may be empty promises if we are not acutely aware of the student experience in our schools. In this session, we will explore the idea of the student experience, the role of character development, and implications for change to positively impact our school community.

Speakers

Dr. Lance Forman

Associate Professor and Director of the Educational Leadership Program at Lipscomb University

Lance Forman is an Associate Professor and Director of the Educational Leadership Program at Lipscomb University. While his official capacities involve working with aspiring school leaders, he serves the College of Education in a number of ways in including supporting the Ed.D. program... Read More →

Friday January 24, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm PST
Lope Main Stage

Parallel Breakouts

1:15pm PST

Be VICTORIOUS: Character Education within ALL Stakeholders

Saturday January 25, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm PST

Join Caitlin Sims from Victory Schools as she guides you in customizing your character education system to be encompassed in who you are and your school's way. We will map out character education for your school system in the areas of curriculum and instruction, behavior management, staff development, family engagement, operations, even budgets!

Speakers

Caitlin Sims

Director of Schools

Caitlin Sims is a dedicated Arizona native from Maryvale whose educational philosophy emphasizes coaching, mentoring, and empowering educators to inspire lifelong learning and instill core values in students. She prioritizes positive, data-driven decision-making and values listening... Read More →

Saturday January 25, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm PST
Cardinal Room

Parallel Breakouts

1:15pm PST

Building and Sustaining a School Community Focused on Shared Values and an Expectation of Excellence

Saturday January 25, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm PST

This session outlines strategies for building and sustaining a school community rooted in shared values and a commitment to excellence. It highlights the importance of hiring for character to ensure new staff align with the school’s core values, as well as maintaining high staff morale through supportive practices. Continuous character-focused professional development is emphasized to reinforce shared expectations and equip staff with tools to foster a positive environment. The interactive presentation also addresses ways to celebrate achievements and strengthen collaboration among staff, students, and families, creating a culture where everyone is motivated and committed to growth.

Speakers

Dr. Michael Sivertson

Principal of Youngker High School

Dr. Michael Sivertson has been an educational leader for 34 years, serving in a variety of roles. His career includes positions as a social studies teacher, department chair, high school and college coach, athletic director, assistant principal, district director of athletics and... Read More →

Saturday January 25, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm PST
Coyote Room

Parallel Breakouts

1:15pm PST

Exploring Virtue-Based Leadership in Ethical Decision Making

Saturday January 25, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm PST

Lope Main Stage

A school leader makes countless decisions each day that impact every facet of the school community. Many, if not most, of these decisions are made in the gray area of the school day, moments for which there is no easy approach or “yes” or “no” answer. This gray area of our decisions is filled with the unique needs and lived experiences of the families we lead. How, then, are we to make decisions when the unique needs of the families we serve do not fit neatly into compartmentalized boxes of policy language. In this session, we will explore the importance of Practical Wisdom in Ethical Decision Making using cinematic quality dilemma films.

Speakers

Dr. Lance Forman

Associate Professor and Director of the Educational Leadership Program at Lipscomb University

Lance Forman is an Associate Professor and Director of the Educational Leadership Program at Lipscomb University. While his official capacities involve working with aspiring school leaders, he serves the College of Education in a number of ways in including supporting the Ed.D. program... Read More →

Saturday January 25, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm PST
Lope Main Stage

Parallel Breakouts

1:15pm PST

Ways to Measure What Matters: Assessment Ideas for Growth in Character Education

Saturday January 25, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm PST

Assessing character in schools is a challenge. This session will provide practical tools to assess character growth in the school culture and personal character growth.

Speakers

Dr. Kara Chism

Director of the M.S. in Instructional Leadership program for Samford University’s Orlean Beeson School of Education

Dr. Kara Chism is the Director of the Master of Science in Instructional Leadership program for Samford University’s Orlean Beeson School of Education, assistant professor in the educational leadership graduate program, and a consultant for the character education non-profit, The... Read More →

Saturday January 25, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm PST
Javelina Room

Parallel Breakouts

2:30pm PST

Be VICTORIOUS: Character Education within ALL Stakeholders

Saturday January 25, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm PST

Join Caitlin Sims from Victory Schools as she guides you in customizing your character education system to be encompassed in who you are and your school's way. We will map out character education for your school system in the areas of curriculum and instruction, behavior management, staff development, family engagement, operations, even budgets!

Speakers

Caitlin Sims

Director of Schools

Caitlin Sims is a dedicated Arizona native from Maryvale whose educational philosophy emphasizes coaching, mentoring, and empowering educators to inspire lifelong learning and instill core values in students. She prioritizes positive, data-driven decision-making and values listening... Read More →

Saturday January 25, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm PST
Cardinal Room

Parallel Breakouts

2:30pm PST

Building and Sustaining a School Community Focused on Shared Values and an Expectation of Excellence

Saturday January 25, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm PST

This session outlines strategies for building and sustaining a school community rooted in shared values and a commitment to excellence. It highlights the importance of hiring for character to ensure new staff align with the school’s core values, as well as maintaining high staff morale through supportive practices. Continuous character-focused professional development is emphasized to reinforce shared expectations and equip staff with tools to foster a positive environment. The interactive presentation also addresses ways to celebrate achievements and strengthen collaboration among staff, students, and families, creating a culture where everyone is motivated and committed to growth.

Speakers

Dr. Michael Sivertson

Principal of Youngker High School

Dr. Michael Sivertson has been an educational leader for 34 years, serving in a variety of roles. His career includes positions as a social studies teacher, department chair, high school and college coach, athletic director, assistant principal, district director of athletics and... Read More →

Saturday January 25, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm PST
Coyote Room

Parallel Breakouts

2:30pm PST

Exploring Virtue-Based Leadership in Ethical Decision Making

Saturday January 25, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm PST

Lope Main Stage

A school leader makes countless decisions each day that impact every facet of the school community. Many, if not most, of these decisions are made in the gray area of the school day, moments for which there is no easy approach or “yes” or “no” answer. This gray area of our decisions is filled with the unique needs and lived experiences of the families we lead. How, then, are we to make decisions when the unique needs of the families we serve do not fit neatly into compartmentalized boxes of policy language. In this session, we will explore the importance of Practical Wisdom in Ethical Decision Making using cinematic quality dilemma films.

Speakers

Dr. Lance Forman

Associate Professor and Director of the Educational Leadership Program at Lipscomb University

Lance Forman is an Associate Professor and Director of the Educational Leadership Program at Lipscomb University. While his official capacities involve working with aspiring school leaders, he serves the College of Education in a number of ways in including supporting the Ed.D. program... Read More →

Saturday January 25, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm PST
Lope Main Stage

Parallel Breakouts

2:30pm PST

Ways to Measure What Matters: Assessment Ideas for Growth in Character Education

Saturday January 25, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm PST

Assessing character in schools is a challenge. This session will provide practical tools to assess character growth in the school culture and personal character growth.

Speakers

Dr. Kara Chism

Director of the M.S. in Instructional Leadership program for Samford University’s Orlean Beeson School of Education

Dr. Kara Chism is the Director of the Master of Science in Instructional Leadership program for Samford University’s Orlean Beeson School of Education, assistant professor in the educational leadership graduate program, and a consultant for the character education non-profit, The... Read More →

Saturday January 25, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm PST
Javelina Room

Parallel Breakouts

GCU Character Ed Summit 3

From $102.89