Teachers Present At Annual FCIS Conference

Three lower school teachers presented exciting elements of their curriculums at the annual Florida Council for Independent Schools Convention in Jacksonville, Florida.

 

Lower school Science Coordinator Susan Bickel and Coordinator of Academic Technology Kelley Hook presented on integrating science and technology in a STEM classroom. 

 

Bickel said the audience was engaged and knowledgeable, which made presenting a great experience. 

 

“I hope attendees took away some concrete suggestions for how to combine tech and science in ways that increase student engagement and accomplish learning goals in both disciplines. I also hope they saw our joy for our subject areas and that some of that joy works its way into their classrooms,” said Bickel. 

 

Hook said the highlight of the presentation was showing a flyover video of the school’s Maglio Family STEM Center which generated a chorus of gasps about how lucky Benjamin teachers are to work in such a facility on-campus. 

 

Second grade teacher Buckley Griffis shared his social-emotional learning work that invites students to talk about how their feelings and actions affect other people in their “tribes;” their school, communities, and families. 

 

Griffis said participants enjoyed the presentation which involved a rhythm circle and ideas for how to invite students to express themselves both verbally and through percussion instruments. 

 

Head of lower school Dr. Kristen Sheehan said she is extremely proud of the three Benjamin teachers chosen to present at FCIS.

 

“It allowed for the outstanding work done in the Lower School classrooms every day to be showcased and shared with teachers throughout Florida,” she said.