Join us for the Transformative Teaching Conference on Saturday, March 1!

Registration closes on Tuesday, February 25.

In collaboration with the California Teacher Development Collaborative (CATDC), the inaugural Transformative Teaching Conference @ Crystal invites teachers, innovators, and thought leaders to attend our upcoming day-long conference dedicated to transformative teaching practices. The goal of Transformative Teaching is to increase students’ mastery of skills and concepts while at the same time cultivating in students a love of learning and a positive sense of self and ability. This is a unique opportunity to share insights, experiences, and research that challenge conventional approaches and inspire educators to enhance their teaching methodologies. The Transformative Teaching Conference is designed for educators and administrators of grades 6-12.

Conference Theme

Our theme for this year is “Catalyzing Transformation.” Transformative educators are those seeking to change students' attitudes, values, beliefs, and skills while also increasing their mastery of course concepts. Our conference includes presentations representing over 20 schools from across and beyond the Bay Area, exploring a wide range of topics such as:

  • Culturally Responsive Pedagogy
  • AI & Digital Tools in the Classroom
  • Student Engagement Techniques
  • Assessment, Feedback, and Reflection Practices
  • Mastery-Based Learning
  • Integrating Social-Emotional Learning and Executive Function Skills in the Classroom
   
We look forward to an inspiring day of learning and collaboration! For questions, please contact, Adore Alexander, Chief Executive Assistant.

Presenters & Sessions

List of 7 items.

  • AI in the Classroom

    • The Crystal Tutorial: Classical Methods for the AI Challenge
       
      Matthew Bell, Crystal Springs Uplands School
    • Transforming Mandarin Learning: Creative Expression and AI Integration in the Classroom
       
      Jamie Chiahui Gao, The Nueva School
    • Transformative Assessment Practices: A Two-Lane Framework for Inclusive AI-Integrated Evaluation
       
      Crystal AI Cohort (Peter Antupit, Amanda Carroll, Tom Diggs, Gianne Souza, Marion Valentin, Irene Wong, Ashley Zanca), Crystal Springs Uplands School
    • ChatGPT Wrote This Talk: Teaching and Learning in the Age of AI
       
      Douglas Kiang, Menlo School
    • Leveraging AI to Differentiate Instruction in K-8 Classrooms
       
      Lizzy Laidlaw, Presidio Hill School
    • Artificial Intelligence for Real Results: Inspire Joy and Achieve Mastery
       
      Jen Tuten, Marin Primary & Middle School
    • ChatGPT in Action: Personalizing Learning for Mastery and Meaningful Growth
       
      Judith Worrall, The Nueva School

  • Assessment Practices

    • Competency-Aligned Teaching, Assessment, and Student Support
      Stella Beale, Marin Academy
    • Transforming Assessment: Three Approaches to Alternative Grading in Science, English, and Social Science Classrooms
      Amanda Cadogan, Maybeck High School
    • Designing Writing Assessments with EF Support
      Gretchen Kellough, The Nueva School
    • Meeting Students Where They Are: A Flexibly-Paced, Mastery-Based Approach to Learning
      Megan Leich, The Athenian School
    • Implementing Assessment in Athletics
      Chloe Robinette, Crystal Springs Uplands School
    • Redefining Assessment Through Student-Centered Documentation, Reflection, and Metacognition
      Aaron Schorn and Haley Hemm, Hillbrook School and the Scott Center for Social Entrepreneurship
    • Shifting the Locus of Control Through Self-Assessment in the Chemistry Classroom
      Justin Thompson, Crystal Springs Uplands School

  • Community of Practice

    • Building a Culture of Pedagogical Iteration Based on Student Feedback: a PERTS Elevate Pilot
      Britt SchlaeGuada, The Athenian School
    • The Transdisciplinary Future of Learning
      Harrison Shure, Marin Academy
    • Reimagining Professional Learning
      Jamie Sullivan, Castilleja School

  • Democracy in Action

    • Creating a Democratic Classroom Through Current Events
      Sarah Cooper, Flintridge Prep
    • Community Forum: Fostering a Space for Civil Discourse on Campus
      Adam Feldmeth and Will Mason, Polytechnic School
    • Political Parties in the Classroom
      Mike Fishback, Almaden Country Day School
    • Teaching in a Disconnected and Divided World: Practical Tools for Cultivating Classrooms and Communities
      Trixie Sabundayo and Hilary Schmitt, Shady Side Academy and Branson School
    • Immersive Learning in Tumultuous Times
      Jennifer Sapio, The Bay School of San Francisco
    • The Power of Words: Courageous Teaching about Palestine/Israel
      Sana Shukairy and Lea Hartog, The Athenian School
    • Mock Election 2024: How PBL Sparks Empathy and Civic Engagement
      Dorothy Tao, Presidio Knolls School
    • Using the CRAAP Test to Determine Source Reliability and Trustworthiness
      Kim Wetzel, Pinewood School
    • Data Literacy for All: A Culturally Responsive Approach to Fostering Critical Literacy in the Classroom
      Ashley Zanca, Crystal Springs Uplands School

  • Engaging Pedagogy

    • Echoes of the Past: Discovering Identity Through History
       
      Sabahat Adil, Menlo School
    • Centering Student Skill Growth in a History Classroom
       
      Adric Alvaro, Crystal Springs Uplands School
    • Video Feedback: A Personable & Efficient Option to Giving Feedback on Projects & Writing
       
      Elliot Benge, Crystal Springs Uplands School
    • Beyond AP: Expanding Chinese Language Learning Through Interdisciplinary Advanced Topics Courses
       
      Mingjung Chen, Menlo School
    • A Win-Win!: Maximizing Your Precious Prep Time in the Second Language Classroom Through Tiered Readings
       
      Tom Garvey, Menlo School
    • Student Answer Keys: A Homework Routine to Help Guide Classroom Instruction
       
      Sujata Ganpule, Menlo School
    • Seeing How the Historical Sausage is Made: Historiography in the High School Classroom
       
      Derek Vanderpool, Crystal Springs Uplands School

  • Social Justice and Advocacy

    • Building Access and Acceptance through Student Self-Awareness and School Systems
      Elaine Barry, Gen Greer, and Sahily Hilerio, Mid-Peninsula High School
       
    • Walking the Walk: Infusing Social Justice Into our Academic Program
      Roni Ben-David, Jewish Community High School
       
    • Credit where credit is...due?: Decentralizing Greece in the Geometry Classroom
      Sandeep Bhuta, San Francisco University High School
       
    • Tending to Climate Grief by Learning from Queer Ecologies
      Lindsey Collins, Urban School
       
    • Voices of Incarceration: A Bridge Out of the Bubble
      Courtney Rein, Mychal Macias, and Philippe Kelly, Urban School 

  • Student-Centered Approaches

    • Teaching Beyond the Curriculum: Incorporating Executive Functioning Skills & Social Emotional Learning Every Day
      Tiffany Crist-Studley, Amanda Carroll, and Kirsten Smith, Crystal Springs Uplands School
    • Emotions in Motion: Building Emotional Intelligence in the Classroom
      Andee Vo, Crystal Springs Uplands School
    • Superdifference: Destigmatizing Neurodiversity Through the Power of Literature
      Sadie Renjilian, Children's Day School
We look forward to welcoming conference presenters and participants from a wide range of schools.

Conference Planning Team

List of 3 members.

  • Photo of Julia Rubin

    Julia Rubin 

    US Director of Teaching and Learning
  • Photo of Meena Tahiliani

    Meena Tahiliani 

    MS Director of Teaching & Learning
  • Photo of Adore Alexander

    Adore Alexander 

    Chief Executive Assistant

This is the start of Your Journey

Contact

Admission Questions:  admission@crystal.org

Middle School

10 Davis Drive, Belmont, CA 94002
650-645-1000

Upper School

400 Uplands Drive, Hillsborough, CA 94010
650-342-4175
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