Professional Development Offerings

Engagement Essentials: Strategies for student buy-in and participation

Course Date(s):

August 12 – August 22, 2025

All assignments due August 22, 2025

One 15-minute check-in phone meeting at convenience of instructor and class member

Timezone:

Registration Deadline:

August 11, 2025

Type:

Online Facilitated Course

Status:

Open

Credits:

15 PDPs

Grad Credit:

N/A

Cost:

$265 TEC Members / $290 Non-TEC Members

Withdrawals: No credits/refunds will be given unless TEC is notified 10 business days before the first class. All payments processed upon receipt.

Location:

Online

Audience:

Grades 4-10

Are you looking for fresh and effective ways to ignite student interest and boost engagement in your classroom? Join us for a professional development workshop designed for both general education and special education teachers who are eager to increase student buy-in and participation. First, we’ll discuss the importance of student buy-in and its impact on academic achievement and classroom dynamics. Then, we will explore innovative strategies that will transform your classroom into a vibrant and engaging learning environment where every student is motivated to succeed! Topics include:

  • Educational games, hands-on activities, and group challenges to capture students’ attention and foster active participation
  • Ways to leverage students’ interests and passions to make learning relevant and meaningful
  • Strategies for offering options in assignments, projects, and classroom activities, empowering students to take ownership of their learning journey
  • Effective methods for using incentives and rewards to motivate students and reinforce positive behaviors.

Content will be in the form of slideshows, articles, and videos. Participants will complete short reflections, activities, discussions, and/or assignments to accompany the content, along with a culminating project that applies strategies learned throughout the workshop.

About the Instructor

Jessica Holicker is a 6th grade Math Teacher and Language-Based Special Educator at Norton Middle School in Norton, MA. With extensive experience in both general education math and special education settings, including inclusion and substantially separate classrooms, Jessica has developed an educational philosophy centered around the belief that every student is unique and deserving of meaningful learning opportunities. Her passion for fostering an inclusive and engaging learning environment allows all students to thrive. In addition to her teaching role, Jessica supports her colleagues as the school’s former teacher technology liaison and current lead mentor. However, her favorite role remains as the co-director of the middle school’s drama program, where she inspires creativity and collaboration among students.

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