Deliberate Optimism: Reclaiming the Joy in Education

Keynote Speaker:  Jack Berckemeyer    

 

A nationally-recognized presenter, author, and humorist, Jack Berckemeyer began his career as a middle school teacher in Denver. In 2003, he received the Outstanding Alumni Award from the Falcon School District. Jack brings his energy, humor, and expertise to all
staff development as he helps teachers and administrators remember why this job makes a difference. He served as a judge for the Disney American Teacher Awards and served on the selection committee for the USA TODAY All-Teacher Team. Jack was also the Assistant Executive Director for the National Middle School Association for 13 years and is the author of Managing the Madness - A Practical Guide to Middle Grades Classrooms. He is also the co-author of H.E.L.P. for Teachers. His most recent publications are Taming of the Team - How Great Teams Work Together and Deliberate Optimism - Reclaiming the Joy in Education, co-authored with Dr. Debbie Silver and Judith Baenen.

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The VMSA Annual Conference is Virginia's largest cross-district gathering of middle level educators and is always full of excitement and energy. Join us at the Festival Conference Center at James Madison University on Friday, November 1 in the heart of Virginia's beautiful Shenandoah Valley. 
 

Best Practice Sessions​

More than 30 sessions presented by and for middle level educators, covering topics of interest to middle level teachers and leaders.

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Click here to submit a session proposal

Click here to access session materials.

 

Schools to Watch Roundtable Sessions

Teams from Virginia’s Schools to Watch will present strategies for highlights and strategies that helped them become award winning nationally recognized middle schools!

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Conference Registration Now Open!

Click here to register online

Click here to access a pay-by-mail registration form

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