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Inspire '16 has ended
Welcome to the Inspire ’16 Professional Development Day Website.  

This Teacher-Driven PD Day has a wide variety of options for educators both within the Mendon-Upton Regional School District and outside of the district to participate, collaborate and learn.  

Register for Sessions:  
  • Please view the schedule options and click on the sessions you would like to attend to register and to build your day’s schedule.  
  • This can be changed at any time leading up to the day.  
  • You can view the schedule in various forms (simple, expanded, grid, by venue) by clicking on the Schedule Dropdown arrow.
Logistics:  
  • The day will begin at 8:00, with the keynote presentation, starting promptly at 8:15 in the Nipmuc HS Auditorium. 
  • Once sessions are approaching capacity, registration maybe closed if we can’t find a larger venue.  
  • Some rooms may be changed between now and the day of the event.  
  • Some details of sessions may be adapted as well.
  • We still welcome session proposals by emailing Maureen Cohen at mcohen@mursd.org
Search Features:  
  • You can use the filtering feature on the right by clicking on the topical categories. 
  • You can also use the search box to search by keyword, people, or tags.  
  • Want to know who is attending various sessions?  Click on the session and the attendees will be listed on the session page.  

Important Note:  
  • Please read the session information carefully.  Some of the sessions are open to all participants, and others are closed sessions for only MURSD participants. 

For additional details about the day go to:  March 11 PD Day Information
 
Back To Schedule
Friday, March 11 • 9:10am - 10:10am
Session 1: Beyond the Curriculum

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The benefits of gratitude start with the dopamine system, because feeling grateful activates the brain stem region that produces dopamine.” Alex Korb, PhD

“When threatening conditions do not exist, the Reticular Activating System focuses its attention on stimuli that arouse curiosity. This is the “key to the gate.” The brain seeks input about the new, the unexpected, the colorful, musical, moving, aromatic sensations.” Dr. Judy Willis

The best educators elicit curiosity and innovation in their students through passion, competence, and connection. The day to day demands of curriculum and protocol can often feel overwhelming in a world where a clear mind contributes to our best work. Neuroscientists and psychologists have routinely proven the importance of culture in education. ‘Beyond the Curriculum’ focuses on the importance that school culture plays in our quest to reinforce a growth mindset and will provide attendees with some simple take-aways that result in a culture where staff, students, and families are encouraged to communicate authentically, learn creatively, and contribute passionately. The formula shared is simple with implications that will last a lifetime.

In just over an hour, we will share inspiring stories of success that have resulted from the effective use of peer-modeling, direct-speak, and innovative approaches that reach far beyond curriculum. An approach founded in social-emotional well-being has led to the transformation of students and educators on a multitude of levels. Leave smiling with simple take-aways and active analogies that could change the way you teach and transform the way you think.
Presenters
avatar for Aaron Polansky

Aaron Polansky

Administrator, Old Colony RVTHS
A husband, and father of six, Aaron currently serves as a Superintendent in the state of Massachusetts and as an Executive Committee Member for the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents, Executive Board Member for the Massachusetts Association of Vocational Administrators... Read More →

Friday March 11, 2016 9:10am - 10:10am EST
Nipmuc G217
  Welcome/Keynote

Attendees (12)