2023 MMEA Mentoring Conference: Schedule
9th Annual MMEA Mentoring Conference
“A Drop In The Bucket: expanding our possibilities”
September 17 & 18, 2023
Tan-Tar-A Conference Center
2023 Mentoring Conference
Schedule
sunday
12:00pm – 1:00pm
Registration
1:00pm – 1:30pm
Presiding: Steve Litwiller
General Session 1: “Don’t Question Your Life Choices Just Yet…”
Made a mistake during your first months of teaching?
This session will let you know that you are not alone.
1:45pm – 2:15pm
Presiding: Steve Litwiller
General Session 2: ”Reflections and Suggestions from the First Year Classroom”
Presenters: Hailee Kaestner & Caroline Williams
This session will be led by teachers in the first years of their careers.
2:30pm – 3:30pm
Content Area
Breakout Sessions
Content Area Sessions: “Classroom Environment, Professional Communication, Student Engagement and Motivation: Answering Your Questions Part 1”
Band: Kyle Donnelly, Steve Litwiller, Shelly Swink
Choir: Patrick Dell, Brian Hartman, Jodi Kratzer, Aaron Neff
Elementary: Sheila Baer, Rene Spencer
K-12: Elizabeth Betts, Vanessa Miner, Chris Sprague
These breakout sessions are designed to address specific issues in the band, choir, elementary and K-12 disciplines. All sessions will provide the opportunity to ask questions of our experienced MMEA Mentors.
3:45pm – 4:15pm
Presiding: Brian Hartman
Steve Litwiller
General Session 3: “MSHSAA Update”
This session will help new teachers navigate the rules and regulations of the MSHSAA Music Festivals.
4:30pm – 5:30pm
Presiding: Brian Hartman
Mentoring Lounge #1: “How, What, When?” Let us help!–Round Table Lounge
Attendees will be able to ask specific questions of mentors in a “speed dating” setting. Topics will include classroom management, lesson planning, best practices, discipline, and many others.
5:45pm – 6:45pm
DINNER
7:00pm – 8:00pm
Presiding: Steve Litwiller
General Session 4: “Practice Makes Progress”
Learning Lab
Attendees will have opportunities to practice the new skills they have learned in a “classroom setting.” Scenarios presented will include, but are not limited to, a meeting with an angry parent, classroom disruptions, and defiant students.
8:15pm – 9:00pm
Content Area
Breakout Sessions
Content Area Sessions: “Answering Your Questions Part 2”
Band: Kyle Donnelly, Steve Litwiller, Shelly Swink
Choir: Patrick Dell, Brian Hartman, Jodi Kratzer, Aaron Neff
Elementary: Sheila Baer, Rene Spencer
K-12: Elizabeth Betts, Vanessa Miner, Chris Sprague
These breakout sessions are designed to address specific issues in the band, choir, elementary and K-12 disciplines. All sessions will provide the opportunity to ask questions of our experienced MMEA Mentors.
9:00pm – 10:00pm
Social Networking
monday
8:00am – 8:45am
Presiding: Brian Hartman
Continental Breakfast / Mentor Lounge 2: “How, What, When?” Let us help!–Part 2
Attendees will be able to ask specific questions of mentors in a “speed dating” setting. Topics will include classroom management, lesson planning, best practices, discipline, and many others.
9:00am – 9:45am
Presiding: Steve Litwiller
General Session 5: “Yes, You Can! Advocating with Legislators and Administrators”
Presenter: MO Senator, Karla Eslinger
After nearly forty years serving as an elementary teacher, principal, and superintendent, Sen. Karla Eslinger is now serving in the Missouri Senate. She will present tips and tricks to help young teachers effectively communicate with educational stakeholders.
10:00am – 11:15am
Content Area
Breakout Sessions
Content Area Sessions: “Answering Your Questions Part 3”
Band: Kyle Donnelly, Steve Litwiller, Shelly Swink
Choir: Patrick Dell, Brian Hartman, Jodi Kratzer, Aaron Neff
Elementary: Sheila Baer, Rene Spencer
K-12: Elizabeth Betts, Vanessa Miner, Chris Sprague
These breakout sessions are designed to address specific issues in the band, choir, elementary and K-12 disciplines. All sessions will provide the opportunity to ask questions of our experienced MMEA Mentors.
11:30am – 12:15pm
Presiding: Steve Litwiller
“Finding Joy! Self Care for Music Educators”
Presenters: All Mentors
This session is designed to help young teachers find a balance between their work and personal lives to increase their longevity in the teaching profession.
12:15pm
Closing Remarks