Welcoming refugees into our schools and communities
All morning sessions are held in the Plaster Student Union West Ballroom
8:00 – Check-in and breakfast
Attendees check in outside of the PSU 3rd floor ballroom. Light breakfast is served inside.
9:00 – Keynote Presentation by Dr. Don Vu – Life, Literacy and the Pursuit of Happiness: How to Create a Culture of Reading in Schools for All
Dr. Don Vu has been an elementary school teacher and principal for 25 years. He understands the challenges children face when learning a new language and culture, having fled Vietnam with his family in 1975. His book, Life, Literacy, and the Pursuit of Happiness, is a call to action for all educators who want to build a school culture of reading to empower all students – especially our immigrant and refugee children – as they pursue the American Dream.
10:45 – Panel Discussion
Dr. Don Vu, Rebekah Thomas (International Institute of Southwest Missouri), Shawn Cockrum (Missouri Office of Refugee Administration), and Genevieve Stark (Missouri State University)
Each panelist will open with a statement on policy and services for newcomers. This will be followed by attendee-submitted questions and live questions and answers.
12:00 – Lunch
There are a variety of restaurants available in the Plaster Student Union. You may also consider the dining centers in Blair Shannon, Garst, and Heitz, and nearby restaurants.
1:00 – Sessions
PSU 308 – Building Welcoming Schools – Shawn Cockrum (Missouri Office of Refugees)
Arriving in a new country can be an overwhelming experience, especially those who may not yet know the language or how to navigate community systems. One of the first places that refugee and immigrant families have the opportunity to connect with others is in schools. Ensuring refugee and immigrant students and their families feel welcome and accepted in their school environments is not only foundational for their academic success, but their longer-term economic and social success, as well. This presentation will provide schools an easily accessible way to promote a welcoming school, for when we have welcoming schools, our children succeed and our communities thrive.
PSU 314 – How Public Schools Can Support African Immigrant Students and Families – Rhonda Hittenberger-Ortiz (Missouri State University ATLL)
This session will share about the needs of recent African immigrants to area schools. Participants will learn strategies for supporting them and share their own experiences.
PSU 315 – Finding the Audacity of Equality in the Stories of Immigrants and Refugees – Dr. Don Vu
Dr. Vu will share his experiences building a culture of reading to empower all students, especially our immigrant and refugee children, as they pursue the American Dream.
PSU 317 – TPRS: A Fun and Effective Instructional Strategy for Refugee Students New to English – Rob Greenhaw (St. Louis RPDC at Education Plus)
Come explore Teaching Proficiency through Reading and Storytelling (TPRS), an effective instructional strategy that empowers refugees new to English. This approach offers abundant repetition of essential words and phrases in the target language, while also being highly engaging and comprehensible. If you provide ELD instruction to refugees, this is the perfect strategy to add to your toolkit. We’ll watch clips of TPRS lessons, practice some of the techniques together, and share resources to learn more!
2:00 – Sessions
PSU 308 – An Introduction to the International Institute of Southwest Missouri – Jacob Gaugert and Mitch Brashers (International Institute of SW Missouri)
IISMO has been welcoming refugees and immigrants to the Southwest Missouri area since 2013. In 2024 IISMO projects to resettle 400+ refugees and serve more than 800 refugee and immigrant clients. Learn about the resettlement process, the ongoing services of IISMO, and opportunities for volunteering and partnerships
PSU 314 – Session cancelled. Attendees will be sent information and resources on BEVI after the conference. Intercultural Competence through Language Education – Kari Hoggard (University of London/Convoy of Hope)
Intercultural Competence through Language Education: A review of literature and metrics concerning second language teaching as a means of promoting intercultural competence points to key findings. Formative early childhood experiences are foundational to empathy and critical thinking in cross-cultural communication, more foundational than mere exposure to cross-cultural experiences. This presentation explores the interplay of language education in developing empathy and literacy for reconciliation of diverse modes of thought in communication. A key tool reviewed in the presentation: The BEVI – Beliefs, Events, and Values Inventory
PSU 315 – The Refugee Journey: Arriving to Thriving in Missouri – Shawn Cockrum (Missouri Office of Refugee Administration)
The path that leads a refugee family from their home countries to Missouri is lengthy and daunting. We explain the process of becoming a Refugee and how Missouri welcomes and supports these families. We share strategies that schools and communities can use to welcome and support our newest residents.
PSU 317 – Foundations of Reading for English Language Learners – Morgan Sperry and Katelyn Bills (Carthage R9 School District)
This session explores literacy foundations for English Language Learners (ELLs), emphasizing the need for explicit reading instruction at all learning levels. Attendees will gain practical insights into the intricate relationship between language acquisition and literacy development. The presentation offers actionable strategies to empower educators in fostering effective literacy skills for ELLs, bridging the gap between language learning and proficiency in literacy.
3:00 – Sessions
PSU 308 – Raise and the Education We Provide – Kaden Propps and Lucas Grogg (RAISE),
We will speak about what RAISE is, our partnership with Crowder College, trauma informed teaching, and the programs and education provided to our clients regarding their English abilities.
PSU 314 – Cultural Differences: An Exercise in Examining Cultural Miscommunications – Reah Morabith (Heart of MO RPDC)
Participants will read, analyze, and have thought-provoking discussions on presented situations to examine the underlying cultural values and belief differences that may be influencing the behaviors, actions, and reactions described in the event. Attendees will leave the session having increased their awareness of and sensitivity to cultural differences and recognize how influential culture is in everyday interactions.
PSU 315 – The Family Welcome Program: The Power of Partnerships – Jennifer Johnston, Iris Kidula, Eunice Nyagaka, Taehee Park, and Ariel Prugger (Missouri State University)
This session will be an overview of Missouri State University’s partnership with Stalnaker Boys and Girls Club, Springfield Public Schools, and the International Institute of SW Missouri to provide language classes, transportation and child care for newcomers from a variety of countries.
PSU 317 – Tips and Tricks for Teaching English Learning Students – Allie Ritter, Mariah Walsh, and Savy Malcolm (Carthage R9 School District Sixth Grade Center)
By the end of our presentation, educators will feel confident implementing EL strategies, grasp the ELL student perspective, and understand the four language domains and their acquisition. Our goal is to empower educators to create inclusive learning environments, equipped with the insights and tools necessary to guide students effectively through their English language journey.
Enjoy the conference!