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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Summer Art Journaling Series Join us for a summer art series featuring mixed media journaling. This workshop series is complete with lesson plan ideas for all grade levels. Taught by Kristine Quinn from Elementary and Bilingual Education Department. Dates: June 28, July 12, and Aug 2, 2025 Time: 9:00-12:00 PM Location: Education Building EC-66 |
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Transformative Family Literacy Practices with Diverse Communities Dr. Rosie Ordonez-Jasis (Dept. of Literacy and Reading Education) Date: Saturday, June 21, 2025 Time: 9:00 am - 11:30 am Location: EC 24 (Education Building) Description: This in-person workshop will explore ways to more fully engage diverse families through culturally and linguistically sustaining literacy practices. Participants will learn ways to partner with communities to promote family literacy. Target audience: PK-6th grade teachers. Free materials will be provided to all teachers who attend. |
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Watercolor Lessons for Elementary Teachers Date: Saturday, June 21, 2025 Time: 9:00 am - 11:30 am Location: EC 66 (Education Building) Dr. Carmona scarmona@fullerton.edu Teachers, join us in June for a creative water color session. Chat with your fellow teachers about creative strategies to incorporate art in your weekly lesson plans. You'll receive a class set of water colors, paint brushes, sponges, art paper, and a creative water color lesson book complete with lesson plan ideas and strategies to incorporate into your curriculum across several subjects and grade levels. You'll receive the materials needed to teach your students a creative watercolor lesson. |
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Perspective-Taking and Literacy Development: Comprehension Strategies in the Early Grades Date: July 19, 2025 Location: CSUF Campus, Education Building Room EC 24 Time: 9:00 - 11:30 AM Description: This in-person workshop will explore way to develop literacy with children in the primary grades. If you have questions about this workshop, please contact Dr. Ordonez Jasis rordonez@fullerton.edu |
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We are excited to offer 2 workshops on the same date. This will allow all participants to engage in a morning filled with professional development. A participation certificate will be provided to all participants. You are welcome to attend one or both sessions. Lunch will be provided.
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: Friday, August 8, 2025 Time: 9:00 am-11:00 am 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. Add your email to the text below to register for this session. Harnessing AI for K-12 Learning: Opportunities, Challenges, and Practical StrategiesDate: Friday, August 8, 2025
Time: 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM PST
Location: CSUF In Person
Presenters: Dr. Larios and Dr. Soto-PenaArtificial 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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