The 5DP is seeking educators from the five districts to share something interesting, inspiring, or innovative that is happening in your classroom or school. We are seeking presentations that have at least 2 of the following 3 characteristics:
-
Interesting: the subject of your presentation should be of interest to lots of people who teach in different schools, grades, or subjects. There are ways to make specific content fit this criteria; you need to think about how you’ll frame it such that anyone can draw a conclusion or lesson from it.
-
Inspiring: we are seeking presenters who can inspire the audience and make them feel proud of their chosen profession. Presenters have leeway to develop and practice their own style; presentations might make audience members laugh, cry, or both.
-
Innovative: audience members want to learn new ways to do things in their classrooms or schools. Presentations should share new perspectives, out-of-the-box ideas, or small tweaks in practice that make a big difference for students or teachers.
The opportunity to present at the Showcase is a professional opportunity for you as a public speaker. Whether you are practiced and confident, a little unsure, or seeking to conquer a fear of public speaking, we will work with you to be ready to present in a way that will be comfortable and engaging. Note that there are several mandatory practice sessions associated with this opportunity:
- February 7th: Application support workshop (optional)
- Revere High School, 4-6pm
- Objective: prospective applicants talk through their idea(s) and get advice on how to complete the application
- April 11th: Practice Session #1 (mandatory)
- Revere High School, 4-6pm
- Objective: presenters outline their presentation and desired outcomes for audience members with guidance from peers
- April 12-May 11: One-on-one Practice Sessions
- Will be scheduled individually; some presenters may require/request more than 1 session
- Can be call/video/in-person
- Objective: presenters share their full draft of slides and speaking notes for feedback
- May 14th: Dress Rehearsal #1 (mandatory)
- Winthrop High School, 4-6pm
- Tour the event space; Run through your presentation timed
- Objective: Practice and get input from fellow presenters
- May 22nd: Dress Rehearsal #2 (mandatory)
- Winthrop High School, 4-6pm
- Run through presentation in its final form in the event space, timed
- Objective: Practice and give and get encouragement from fellow presenters
- May 24th: Event (mandatory, of course!)
If you cannot make any of the dates above, there is a space in the application to let us know. Depending on the nature of the conflict and whether there are others who have conflicts, we may be able to move dates around.
Educators may apply individually or in small teams. You can save and return to your application if you prefer to complete it over time.
Applications are due March 5th by 5pm.
To complete the application, you will need:
- Demographic and contact information for members of your team, if you’re applying as part of a team.
- Your calendar to check your availability for in-person practice sessions.
- Essay responses to the following questions:
- This year the 5DP Teacher Advisory Board is collecting ideas for a “Why I Teach Here” campaign to support and promote 5DP educators and the amazing work we do. Share why you teach where you do. (350 words)
- Describe your idea. How do you know that what you are doing is effective? (500 words)
- What do you think other educators in the 5DP can learn from your idea? How will it help build collaboration across the districts? (300 words)
- If you had to give your presentation a title right now, what would it be?