Concordia University Chicago NEW TEACHER INSTITUTE 2026
The New Teacher Institute is a four-part professional learning series designed for early-career teachers (years 1–3) that offers practical strategies to strengthen classroom practice across key areas. Sessions focus on classroom management, student engagement, literacy organization, and special education, led by experienced faculty from Concordia University Chicago. Each one-hour online session costs only $25 and provides actionable techniques teachers can immediately apply, along with opportunities to earn CPDUs and receive added professional benefits.
Sign up today by clicking on the links below! Space is limited.
New Teacher Institute Sessions
Session 1: Classroom Management
September 8, 2026 (4:00-5:00 PM)
Presenter - Dr. Jessica Knobbe
Participants will learn simple, effective strategies for classroom management and how these practices look in action. During the session, participants will explore practical techniques drawn from Doug Lemov’s Teach Like a Champion 3.0 that support strong classroom routines and expectations.
Session 2: Engaging Students in Curriculum: Focus on Content through Active Engagement
September 29, 2026 (4:00-5:00 PM)
Presenter - Dr. Jenna Nelson
Participants will learn about active engagement and what it looks like in the classroom. During the session, new teachers will discuss how they can differentiate their instruction to help students actively engage with the course content.
Session 3: Organizing Your Literacy Block
October 27, 2026 (4:00-5:00 PM)
Presenter - Dr. Samantha Caesar
This session helps new teachers think about how to organize the literacy block in a way that is purposeful and supportive of strong reading instruction. Participants will explore practical ways to structure literacy time, build effective routines, and make thoughtful decisions about what belongs in the block.
Session 4: Special Education in a Nutshell
November 17, 2026 (4:00-5:00 PM)
Presenter: Dr. Kathleen Briseno
This one-hour presentation, “Special Education in a Nutshell,” introduces new teachers to the foundations of special education, including its purpose, key laws, and the range of services available to students with diverse learning needs. Participants will explore how to identify and support students with disabilities, collaborate with families and specialists, and create inclusive classroom environments.
