Dr. Jane Healy, keynote speaker
Keynote: “The Real Baby Einstein”
If Einstein had used the electronic product that bears his name, he might never have developed the theory of relativity. In this session we will use the fascinating story of a genius’s early development to explore the neural roots of true creative intelligence. You will learn why today’s warped notions about the real needs of young children may be damaging the minds of the future, and the profound implications for early childhood educators.
Dr. Jane Healy, teacher and educational psychologist, works to find practical applications of current brain research for teachers and parents. She is recognized internationally as an author, lecturer and consultant and has appeared on Good Morning America, the Today Show, CNN and NPR for her ideas about the impact of technology, media and culture on children’s brain development. Healy was twice named the “Educator of the Year” by Delta Kappa Gamma, the professional honor society of women educators.
Award-winning books:
Your Child’s Growing Mind: A Guide to Learning and Brain Development from Birth to Adolescence; Endangered Minds: Why Children Don’t Think and What We Can Do About It; Failure to Connect: How Computers Affect Our Children’s Minds—and What We Can Do About It
Rev. Scott Bruick, luncheon presentation
Luncheon talk: “I Thought I Was Heading to Preschool”
We don’t always know where the Lord will take us in our life, but this we do know: He knows where we need to be for His sake. For Pastor Bruick the journey began with preschool as his destination but now finds him at a pulpit. Where are you heading as an early childhood educator? Bruick is the husband of Jan and the father of Zachary and Alexa. He studied early childhood and elementary education at Concordia University and served as a kindergarten teacher and principal at the edge of the inner city in Atlanta, Ga. Then the Lord changed his destination and since 1995 Scott has served as a parish pastor. He is currently is the senior pastor of St. John Lutheran Church, Seward, Neb.
Schedule for June 18 8 a.m. Registration, Thom Leadership Education Center
( TLEC ) lobby
8:30 a.m. Welcome and Introduction of keynote speaker
Weller Hall auditorium
8:45 a.m. “The Real Baby Einstein,” Keynote speaker, Dr. Jane Healy
10 a.m. Break
10:15 a.m. Sectional I
11:45 a.m. Lunch, Janzow Campus Center
Luncheon speaker, Rev. Scott Bruick
1:15 p.m. Sectional II and Combined Sectionals
2:15 p.m. Break
2:30 p.m. Sectional III
3:30 p.m. Evaluation Collection
Sectional titles and presenters
Sectional I
“The Executive Brain in the Early Childhood Classroom: Challenges and Strategies,” Dr. Jane M. Healy, keynote speaker
“Online Learning, Just Right for You,” Dr. Roberta Nelson, Concordia University College of Graduate Studies, director of M.Ed. Early Childhood
“Early Messages: Facilitating Language Development and Communication,” Cara Small, early childhood professional development coordinator, ESU 6
“The Profound Impact of Stress and Trauma Upon a Child’s Growth and Development,” Cheryl Iverson, program supervisor for Childhaven, a non-profit agency, Seattle, Wash.
“Phonemic Awareness = Literacy Success,” Drew Gerdes, kindergarten teacher, Springfield Lutheran School, Springfield, Mo.
“Music: Make It-Take It,” J ennifer Lotz, kindergarten teacher, Baton Rouge Lutheran School, Baton Rouge, La.
Combined sectionals II & III
“Hands Dirty, Feet Wet,” St. John Child Development Center Staff, Seward, Neb.
“Learning With Nature,” Julie Rose, Dimensions Educational Research Foundation
Sectional II
“What’s in the Bag?” Pastor Scott Bruick, luncheon keynoter
“Packing Pizzazz into Your Primary Classroom,” Kate Bergdolt, first grade teacher, Faith Lutheran School, Lincoln, Neb.
“Tickle Their Taste Buds,” Lisa Schmidt, preschool teacher, Redeemer Lutheran Preschool, Lincoln, Neb. Currently serving Lutheran Education Association on Early Childhood Education Network
“Best New Books for Toddlers through Grade 2,” Sally Snyder, coordinator of children and young adult library services, Nebraska Library Commission
Sectional III
“Paddle Wheels for Preschool,” Terry Steinke, director of early childhood ministries, Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Urbandale, Iowa
“Happiest Toddler on the Block,” Kelly Vanness, early childhood professional coordinator, ESU 7
“Primary Classroom Under Construction,” JoAnne Wallman, first grade teacher, Messiah Lutheran School, Lincoln, Neb.
“Emergent Literacy Assessment: Alternatives to DIBELS,” Dr. Janelle Uffelman, associate professor of education, Concordia University, Nebraska