Call for Proposals
The New Teacher Center @ UCSC invites proposals for concurrent sessions on Monday and Tuesday, February 2–3, 2009. Sessions are approximately 90 minutes in length. We are particularly interested in sessions that integrate research and practice; in addition, program strands specifically tailored for researchers and policy makers will be featured. Submissions should exemplify current best practices and present new issues or topics, innovative ways of viewing traditional issues, and/or research that substantiates, promotes, and advances the work of teacher development and induction. We are seeking to create a Symposium program that clearly relates to quality mentoring, represents the geographic and demographic diversity of our schools, offers a wide range of perspectives, and inspires all of us to new standards of excellence. We encourage teams of presenters and welcome ones that include new teachers.
Session Proposal Guidelines
The following sections provide guidelines for creating and submitting session proposals.
Symposium Themes
Our Symposium focuses on three essential themes, listed below with related inquiries. We are looking for proposals that strongly relate to one of these Symposium themes in particular.
I. QUALITY MENTORING
What constitutes a quality mentoring program? What do mentors need to know and be able to do? How do programs support excellence in mentoring? How do we promote ongoing mentor development? How can programs support mentors in further developing subject matter expertise? How do mentors incorporate student content standards into their mentoring? How do induction programs differentiate support in response to new teachers’ needs?
II. LEADERSHIP AND PROFESSIONAL IDENTITY
How does a mentor emerge as an educational leader? How are mentors changing school and district cultures? What are strategies that build mentor leadership capacity (i.e., action research, a “public voice,” shared leadership, etc.) How are mentors redefining the profession? How can mentors promote beginning teacher leadership? How are induction programs helping to build a continuum of teacher learning?
III. EQUITABLE LEARNING AND SOCIAL JUSTICE
How do mentors promote beginning teacher practice that seeks to close the achievement gap? How do successful mentors foster a commitment to equity? What programmatic linkages and partnerships support this work for educational justice?
Symposium Participant Outcomes
The New Teacher Center seeks to create a Symposium program that contributes to the following outcomes.
Participants will:
- Become more knowledgeable about quality induction programs and mentoring practices that promote teacher excellence
- Develop a deeper understanding of the principles for effective teacher education and professional development
- Renew a commitment to transform the profession through equitable learning and social justice
- Build educational leadership capacity
Session proposals should contain participant outcomes that align with the above Symposium outcomes.
Criteria for Selection
A committee consisting of New Teacher Center staff will use the criteria below to review and select proposals. Session proposals should provide specific strategies and practical connections for participants, and must address all the criteria listed below to be considered for acceptance.
FOCUS
- Clearly supports one Symposium theme
- Relates to Symposium outcomes
- Reveals depth of content knowledge
APPLICATION
- Demonstrates a connection to teacher induction
- Includes useful information for mentors
- Builds capacity of teacher leaders
- Addresses standards—professional and/or student content
FORMAT
- Uses strategies that model effective professional development principles
- Allows time for reflection and/or participant engagement
CLARITY
- Clearly defines outcomes
- Fully articulates content and process
- Flows smoothly with organized elements
Primary and Secondary Presenters
Each session must have one primary presenter, and may have additional secondary presenters. The primary presenter will serve as the contact for all correspondence regarding session proposal acceptance, scheduling, changes, room notification, and audio visual requests. It is the responsibility of this person to communicate in a timely manner all information to all secondary presenters listed. As primary presenter, do not list individuals as secondary presenters on the proposal submission form unless you have a firm commitment from them.
Registration Discounts for Presenters
We will provide a reduced registration fee for a maximum of two presenters per session. These registration fee will be $315 each. Additional presenters will pay the regular registration fee of $360 for early registration or $415 for registrations received after December 15, 2008.
Session Title
Your session title (15 words or less) should concisely convey your session topic and content. We reserve the right to edit session titles.
Program Summary
Your program summary (50 - 75 words) should accurately reflect the content, activities, and anticipated outcomes of your session. This text will be used in the registration brochure and conference program. We reserve the right to edit titles and summaries.
Session Description
Please provide an extended description of your proposed session. Your description should include the types of learning activities in which participants will be engaged, your intended participant outcomes, and how your presentation relates to one particular Symposium theme. We ask that you refrain from submitting sessions that involve selling a specific program or approach.
Proposal Submission Deadline
Proposals may only be submitted online, and must be submitted by May 9, 2008.
Proposal Selection and Notification
Upon acceptance of your proposal, we will contact you regarding various details of your presentation. Presenters must provide their own handouts and cover all travel and lodging expenses.
Questions?
If you have any questions please contact the New Teacher Center by phone at 831.459.4323 or via
