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2019 Summer Institute
​June 24 - 28, 2019

2019 Keynote Presentations and Whole Group Workshops
  • Monday
    • Opening Keynote presented by Matthew d'Alessio, Ph.D., CSUN
    • Whole Group Workshop: "Using Real-World Problems and Phenomena to Engage and Inspire Students" presented by Annie Ransom
  • Wednesday: "Using the NGSS Evidence Statements to Plan Assessments (with Growth Mindset" presented by Director Annie Ransom, University Preparation Charter School
  • Thursday: "Using 3D Questions to Guide Student Inquiry and Learning" presented by Teacher Leader Ray Clayton and Director Annie Ransom, University Preparation Charter School (this talk will help prepare participants for the Student STEM Day on Friday)

​Scroll down for more details about each Keynote speaker.

MONDAY 
Opening Keynote 
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​Presented by 
​Dr. Matthew d’Alessio

Description
​Coming Soon!
Dr. d’Alessio sees science from the perspective of both a researcher and an educator. He was a research scientist at the U.S. Geological Survey, is currently an associate Professor at CSUN where he teaches science to university students and future teachers, was a high school Earth Science teacher in an urban public school, runs a sustainability education program in local elementary schools, and spent a year as a stay-at-home dad. He drew upon this complete picture of science from 'top to bottom' as one of the lead writers of the 2016 Science Framework for California Public Schools. In 2018, he received CSUN's university-wide Distinguished Teaching award.

Wednesday 
Using the NGSS Evidence Statements to Plan Assessments (with Growth Mindset)
​
​Presented by 
​Annie Ransom

Description
​Coming Soon!

Thursday 
Using 3D Questions to Guide Student Inquiry & Learning

​Presented by 
​Ray Clayton and Annie Ransom

Description
Director Annie Ransom and Teacher Leader Ray Clayton will discuss strategies for using 3D questions to guide student learning by "coaching" them through solving problems rather than relying on stand-and-deliver teaching methods. This talk will help prepare participants for the Student STEM Day on Friday and will give veteran participants and opportunity to collaborate with new participants. Ray and Annie will also provide instructions and logistical information for the Friday Student STEM Day event. 
Annie Ransom is the director of STEMposium and has been teaching science since 2005. She taught chemistry and biology at the high school level before moving into the best job ever at University Preparation Charter School as their Science Coach. In this position, Annie hosts enriching laboratory experiences for all K-8 students, coaches teachers in classrooms, and works with CSUCI's Education Department on several collaborative efforts to bring high quality science instruction to new teachers and their mentors. Annie has presented workshops on a variety of educational topics at several science conferences such as CSTA, Gold Coast Science Network, and through Ventura County Office of Education. In 2015 she was recognized as Educator of the Month by the Camarillo Chamber of Commerce and as a STEM Radical by VC STEM in 2017. In that same year, UPCS was recognized as a Golden Gear School by VC STEM for not only their own schoolwide progress in moving towards NGSS but also for promoting NGSS professional development to teacher candidates and local teachers countywide. Annie is proud to be a part of such a dynamic, collaborative, and progressive culture. She looks forward to her two young children Jameson (5) and Josephine (3) becoming UPCS Dolphins in the near future.  ​
 Ray Clayton 
Ray Clayton is a Southern California native and avid outdoor enthusiast, enjoying camping, hiking, rock climbing, and fly fishing. When he is not found wandering the outdoors you can also find him on the basketball court. He has played most of his life and coached youth teams at various levels. He is currently the head coach of the basketball team at UPCS with a 20-8 record over the last three years.
Prior to teaching Ray has worked successfully in three other professions; Corporate Health and Safety, Home Sales, and Construction. He credits his previous experiences with the knowledge he can instill in students as to the importance of education in the STEM fields. He constantly incorporates these experiences into lessons to help create more meaningful lessons.
Ray graduated from CSUCI in 2015 with a degree in Biology and minor in History. He began his teaching career under the guidance and direction of his mentor, Mrs. Annie Ransom. He went on to complete his credential with CSUCI’s School of Education in 2016 and has enjoyed teaching 8th Grade math and science ever since. His fondest teaching memory was a mystery fossil lab where students had to use geological evidence to unlock the age, location, and species of an unknown fossils.