Building Thinking Classrooms 2025 Annual Conference

Participants will explore a BTC task through a complex instruction lens, focusing on actionable norms to enhance classroom equity. They will gain practical tools for implementing inclusive practices and providing targeted feedback to support equitable participation. This session will equip educators with strategies to foster effective collaboration and ensure all students engage meaningfully in BTC tasks.

In an English classroom where students collaborate in random groups at vertical spaces, the opportunities to build communication skills are endless. From analyzing texts to generating ideas to exploring the writing process, a BTC classroom invites students to share their thoughts, develop their voices, and think critically. In this session, we’ll dive into how the English classroom can be transformed into a Thinking Classroom, and reflect on the powerful impact this approach has on students’ development as writers and readers.

This session will explore how BTC practices can provide a powerful shield against the adverse effects of childhood trauma. Students from marginalized groups, including those with IEPs, English Language Learners, low-socioeconomic backgrounds, and Indigenous heritage, etc., often experience higher rates of ACEs. By implementing a range of BTC practices, teachers can create a positive classroom culture, promote social-emotional learning, and encourage critical thinking, ultimately benefiting all students, including those from marginalized communities and those impacted by ACEs. This session may evoke powerful emotions, resulting in a renewed sense of determination and motivation to embark or reignite your BTC journey.