The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected the education sector worldwide. Schools closed down, forcing students into remote learning environments, and disrupting regular teaching methodologies.

Now, with the vaccine being distributed, schools are opening their doors and preparing to welcome students back into their physical classrooms. However, the challenges that the pandemic posed still linger, and educators must navigate these challenges to ensure that students can receive the quality education they deserve.

Overview of the Virtual Conference

The Virtual Conference on “Navigating the Return to School” aims to address critical issues and challenges that educators face as they welcome students back to school.

The conference will feature leading education experts who will share their insights, experiences, and strategies for ensuring that education can be delivered effectively and safely while upholding its quality standards.

Keynote Speakers

Conferences such as these require informative speakers to keep the audience intrigued and interested to learn and want to know more.

Keynote speakers from the education industry who have dealt with these issues will take center stage in this virtual event. Let’s take a look at some of our speakers and what they shall present to you in the conference:.

Dr. Jane Doe

Dr. Jane Doe is an experienced educator and has been instrumental in paving the way for remote learning for her district. She shall present:.

Effective teaching strategies for remote and in-person learning
Building strong relationships and trust with students and parents
Ensuring equity in education and creating an inclusive environment in the classroom

Mr. John Doe

Mr. John Doe is a well-known speaker in the education community. He has held several leadership roles in education, including being a superintendent. Amidst the pandemic, he managed his school district to ensure a smooth transition to remote learning.

He shall discuss:.

Effective crisis management strategies for schools
Ensuring student and staff safety and well-being
Providing sustainable solutions for hybrid learning environments

Ms. Katherine Smith

Ms. Katherine Smith is an experienced teacher who has implemented innovative teaching methods that have been successful since the onset of the pandemic. She shall present:.

Implementing innovative teaching techniques
Creating engaging lesson plans for in-person and remote learning
Building teamwork among students while social distancing

Breakout Sessions

Breakout sessions shall take place once the keynote speakers have finished their presentations. Participants have the choice to select which session they wish to attend.

The sessions are:

Session 1: Blended Learning Models

As schools aim to keep the number of students in a classroom down, blended learning solutions for students will have to be looked at. Creating the right balance is challenging, but we shall discuss:.

How to develop the right balance of in-person and online learning methods
Measuring online learning engagement and effectiveness
Onboarding educators on hybrid teaching models and providing resources to support them

Session 2: Building Strong Communities

Remote learning has led to feelings of isolation and disconnectedness, mainly students who aren’t familiar with technology.

Still, even now that we welcome students back into physical classrooms, we must ensure that students feel a strong sense of community. The session shall focus on:.

Developing resources to create a sense of community and belonging in the classroom
Teaching toolbox to promote well-being and build relationships
Teaching social and emotional learning (SEL) competencies for children of all ages

Session 3: Returning to In-Person Instruction

Even though we’re looking forward to reopening schools, we cannot afford to relax as the pandemic is still out there. Session 3 shall focus on:.

Implementing Resilient Reopening Policies
Preparing the physical classroom and Environment
Developing Protocols and practices for Illness and Emergency Situations

Conclusion

The Virtual Conference on “Navigating the Return to School” shall be a great opportunity for educators to share resources, best practices and collaborate on how to navigate the return to school successfully.

Teamwork and open collaboration between thought leaders and educators will help create a safe and learning environment.