schools first center for creativity & critical thinking
Inquiry and Innovation
Professional Learning Series for Teachers
The College of Education at California State University, Fullerton and The SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union Center for Creativity and Critical Thinking are pleased to offer this unique professional learning experience led by teams of teachers and experts in the field. The College of Education is committed to professional development of innovative and transformative educators who advance just, equitable, and inclusive education. As part of that mission we are pleased to offer The Inquiry and Innovation Professional Learning Series as free professional development to TK-12 classroom teachers . Teachers may select from a series of workshops, and are encouraged to register for multiple sessions.
- Workshops are held online through Google Classroom and Zoom, or in person.
- Teachers receive free online resources and materials to support classroom implementation.
- All sessions include planning time for teachers to develop curriculum or action steps for their own classroom.
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Use watercolor experiments and Surrealism to promote SEL in your learning environment! Instructor: Ms. Courtney Ries Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025 Date: Saturday, October 25, 2025 Time: Become inspired to incorporate cross-curricular elements into your classroom by experiencing a vast array of experimentation using scientific watercolor methods. Learn how to let your students play with color and pattern to create a unique landscape inspired by Surrealism and all ages book Home Sweet Home by Courtney Ries. Driven by embedding core competencies of Social Emotional Learning (SEL), (responsible decision-making, self-awareness, and self-management) to create a safe and positive learning environment, your students will be able to create their own world using personalized color schemes with watercolor skills. Join us for a fun way to infuse student choice and voice through creativity! |
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Title: Engage, Discuss, Think: Strategies for Fostering Student Engagement and Dialogue in Read-Alouds Focused on Social Issues
Presenters: Dr. Madeleine Mejia and Dr. Amanda Diaz Date: November 8, 2025 Time: 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM PST Location: EC 24 Description: Join us for an interactive session where we delve into innovative strategies for promoting student engagement and meaningful dialogue during read-aloud sessions, all while promoting critical literacy! Through collaborative discussions, hands-on activities, and real-world examples, you will gain insights into: Exploring the foundational principles and strategies of critical thinking skills and critical literacy Developing culturally relevant and sustaining pedagogy practices that honor students’ cultural backgrounds and promote equitable learning experiences addressing hesitancy and fostering a supportive classroom environment This workshop is designed for Elementary-High School teachers. Harnessing AI for K-12 Learning: Opportunities, Challenges, and Practical StrategiesDate: TBD
Time: 9:00 am-11:00 am
Location: CSUF In Person
Presenters: Dr. LariosArtificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming education, offering new ways to enhance teaching and learning. This interactive session will introduce educators to the fundamentals of AI, explore its pedagogical applications in the K-12 classroom, and discuss both the benefits and challenges of integrating AI-powered tools into instruction. Participants will engage in hands-on activities using Magic School AI and Notebook LM, experimenting with AI-generated lesson planning, differentiation, and student engagement strategies.
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