The Story Behind the LSU College of Human Sciences & Education and LSU Lab School's Practically Teaching Conference

The Birth of the Practically Teaching Conference

The LSU CHSE and ULS have long been committed to fostering excellence in education, not just within their own institution, but across the broader educational community in the state. As part of their flagship mission, the college and school aim to connect theory with practice. The conference organizers realized the need for a conference that goes beyond theoretical discussions about teaching. While many conferences focus on high-level educational theories and research, there was a gap in providing educators with actionable, practical methods that could be implemented in their classrooms the very next day.

Recognizing this need, ULS set out to create an event that would not only showcase cutting-edge teaching methods but also emphasize practical strategies that teachers could immediately put into practice. Thus, the Practically Teaching conference was born. The event was designed to provide a space where educators could engage in hands-on workshops, interactive sessions, and inspiring presentations, all focused on the practical side of teaching and enacting the school’s model demonstration mission and purpose. 

According to the Model Demonstration Coordination Center, “a ‘model demonstration school’ is a school typically affiliated with a university or teacher education institution, used as a platform to showcase innovative teaching practices, conduct educational research, and provide hands-on training for future teachers by allowing them to observe and sometimes participate in classroom instruction; essentially, it serves as a model for other schools to emulate, demonstrating new approaches to education through its practices and curriculum.”

Tufts University describes it as “an innovation hub for creativity and experimentation; application of new knowledge and research; new discoveries and problem solving processes. It is a place to learn from challenges and mistakes.”

Purpose and Vision

The overarching goal of the Practically Teaching conference is to bridge the gap between educational theory and real-world classroom application. While the theoretical underpinnings of teaching are undeniably important, teachers often struggle with translating these concepts into effective strategies that work in the classroom. This is where the Practically Teaching conference steps in.

The conference brings together educators from various grade levels and disciplines to share practical techniques and strategies for improving student engagement, increasing classroom efficiency, and enhancing learning outcomes. Attendees have the opportunity to participate in sessions led by experienced educators, researchers, and subject experts who present actionable tools, techniques, and technology that can be immediately utilized in their classrooms.

Who Should Attend?

The audience for this conference is specific, and purposeful. The Practically Teaching conference is geared toward teacher candidates pursuing an education major, as well as first, second and third-year teachers (or early career teachers). The conference provides an invaluable opportunity for aspiring educators and novice teachers to gain hands-on experience, build practical skills, and build a network of peers and experienced professionals.

Research and data trends are clear – teachers leave the profession often in their third to fifth year of teaching; while there are a variety of reasons for leaving, Practically Teaching was designed to elevate the teaching profession and empower early career teachers. The goal is to get teachers to persist and become mentors for future generations of teachers. Whether you're studying to become a teacher or you're in the early stages of your teaching career, the Practically Teaching conference offers sessions and workshops that cater to a variety of needs, helping you hone your craft and grow as an educator. 

Led by LSU Laboratory School Teachers

One of the unique features of the Practically Teaching conference is that it is led by the talented teachers of the LSU Laboratory School. ULS serves as a model demonstration school, known for its commitment to innovative teaching methods and high academic standards. By involving ULS teachers in the conference, attendees get the opportunity to learn from educators who are not only experts in their field but who also work in a school setting dedicated to the continuous improvement of teaching and learning.

The Lab School’s teachers bring practical insights, real-life experiences, and tested strategies to the conference, ensuring that participants leave with skills they can immediately apply in their own classrooms.

Sample Content - What to Expect

The Practically Teaching conference features a variety of hands-on workshops and engaging sessions, each designed to address common challenges and enhance the skills of participants. Here are some of the exciting topics and sessions we’ve explored at past events.

1.  Bananas about BOOKS Are you as bananas about books as we are? Come discover how books are used in the elementary classroom in a practical way. This session explores organizing, collecting, and aligning books with standards while demonstrating how they motivate young readers. Dive into a fun and engaging approach to literacy that can transform how you use books in your classroom.
2. A Happy Classroom is the Place to Be A well-organized classroom is essential to creating a positive learning environment. In this session, you’ll learn how to build a classroom community by thoughtfully displaying student work, organizing materials for easy access, and creating flexible seating and grouping options to promote collaboration and engagement across subjects.
3. Building Your Bag of Tricks Every teacher needs a "bag of tricks" for those moments when a lesson isn’t going as planned or when the class needs refocusing. This workshop offers practical ideas using everyday classroom items (and technology) to create curriculum-based games and activities that can easily get students back on track and re-engaged.
4. Utilizing Small Groups to Meet Student Needs Small group instruction is an effective way to address the diverse needs of students. This session will share scheduling strategies, instructional techniques for multiple content areas, and tips for keeping the whole class engaged while small groups are in action. Learn how to make the most of small group instruction to personalize learning and enhance student success.
5. Surviving Student Teaching and Year 1: Tips & Tricks Starting your teaching career can be both exciting and overwhelming. This presentation provides valuable tips and tricks for navigating your student teaching experience and your first year in the classroom. Topics include professionalism, classroom management, conference tips, and more—designed to help you succeed in those crucial early years.
6. Tricks and Tips for a Happy Life – As a Teacher Teaching isn’t just about lesson plans; it’s about creating a supportive, efficient, and joyful environment for both you and your students. This session will cover the nuts and bolts of classroom management, how to organize a unit of study, how to structure a class period, and other practical strategies that will enhance your teaching life.
7. The Principal’s Office: What Teachers Need to Know Going to the principal’s office isn’t something to fear! This session gives you an inside look at the daily life of a school principal, offering insight into how administrators support teachers and students. You’ll also gain tips on forging professional relationships with principals to ensure mutual support and success in your teaching career. 

The Impact of the Practically Teaching Conference

Going into our fourth year to host this conference, we are encouraged by the feedback we receive from attendees. Below are some quick stats about this conference.

From Our Attendees

Looking Ahead

As education continues to evolve, the Practically Teaching conference will remain a vital resource for educators seeking to refine their skills and improve their practice. By focusing on practical, actionable knowledge, the event supports teachers in their professional growth, helping them to enhance the quality of education for students across the region.

In conclusion, the LSU CHSE and LSU Lab School’s Practically Teaching conference is not just an event—it’s a movement designed to ensure that teachers are equipped with the skills and tools they need to succeed. By focusing on real-world applications, the conference helps shape the future of education, one practical teaching strategy at a time. Whether you're a future educator or a teacher in your first years of practice, the conference provides the knowledge and support needed to thrive in the classroom. 

Meet the Organizers

Meet the team who dreams Practically Teaching morning, noon, and night. Below is a little information about them and why they are so passionate for this conference.

 

 

Join Us

Registration is live for 2025, so register now to attend Practically Teaching. We look forward to seeing you on February 22, 2025, 8 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. Don't forget to share this blog with a teacher or friend. Join us for a day of impact and purpose. Let’s elevate the teaching profession together!