Teacher Topics
Dr. Kathy and some of our other speakers enjoy influencing teachers in public and Christian schools. We offer seminars of different lengths on a variety of topics for faculty of individual schools, for entire school districts, and for teachers gathered at conventions. Their upbeat style, relevant and timely instruction, and problem-solving approach is well-received wherever they speak. Dr. Kathy is an ACSI approved CEU provider.
Click on your audience below to see associated topics.
Dr. Kathy Koch’s Seminars for Teachers
Authentic Answers: Academic Growth as a Result of Personal and Social Growth
Backpacks, the Forgotten Tool: Encouraging Children to Talk about School
Children of Character: Increasing Children’s Self-discipline (Pre K - 5th Grade)
Dominant Donna and Silent Sam: Successful Discussions without Hand Raising
Eaglelike Excellence: Overcoming Mediocrity
Fabulous Feedback: The Art of Complimenting and Correcting Students
Follow to Lead: Establishing a Personal Board of Directors
How Am I Smart? A Practical Guide to Multiple Intelligences
Is Anybody (Learning) Out There? Improving Grades by Focusing Students’ Thinking
Leadership Teams: Change Agents for the Future
Motivation: Change the T.A.R.G.E.T. to Increase the S.C.O.R.E.
No Two Alike: Teaching a Group without Losing the Individual
Note-Taking Strategies: A K-12 Approach
Overcoming the Challenges of Change: Practical Steps for Permanent Change
Strong-Willed? A Focus on Solutions
Teach Them, Don’t Tell Them: Study Strategies that Work
Where are Today’s Geniuses? 12 Qualities to Encourage in Yourself and Others
The following seminars are appropriate for Christian educators only:
A Heart Like Mary: Responding to God’s Call
Decisions for Disciples (Includes Net-Dropping and Hold His Hand)
Got Hope: Optimistic Living during Challenging Times
Hold His Hand: Walking with Your Father
Jesus IS . . . Jesus DOES . . . Recognizing Him in My Everyday
Master Method: Teaching Jesus’ Way
Miracles Matter: You Are Who You Are Supposed To Be
Mordecai: A Model for Mentoring
Net-Dropping: The choice to Become a Disciple
Psalm 23: A Psalm to Live by
Put Off/Put On: Renewing the Mind for Permanent Change
Under the Influence: Followership, a Prerequisite for Leadership
Wired for God: Using Multiple Intelligences to Get Closer to God
Associate Speaker - Dr. Linda Page's Seminars for Teachers
Inclusion Confusion: Dreams or Nightmares?
Dealing with the D’s (ADD, ODD, and LD)
Understanding Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome: What’s a Teacher to Do?
(Read about Dr. Linda Page)
Authentic Answers; Optimistic living during challenging times
When the going gets rough, pessimism and discouragement can set in. Hope is essential. Despair doesn’t inspire. Pessimism doesn’t expect. Optimism does. Hope happens when our basic needs of security, identity, belonging, purpose, and competence are met in healthy ways. We’ll be more fulfilled and successful in all of life. Because of our focus and joy, we’ll be less likely to experiment with drugs, alcohol, and other high-risk activities. There will be fewer behavior, motivation, and academic problems at school, work, and home. Learn the best answers to the core needs’ questions and how to help others believe them: Who do I trust?, Who am I?, Who wants me?, Why am I alive?, and What do I do well?. You’ll have hope for today and for tomorrow! (1-6 hours; Kathy’s approach and exact content will depend on the audience and the event’s goals)
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Backpacks, the Forgotten Tool: Encouraging your child to talk about school
Many of today's busy parents may not go through their children's backbacks with them, check their daily work and tests, and look to see how they can help with homework. But, supporting them is important. Simple questions and homemade games can get everyone talking in optimistic and fresh ways about school, assignments, attitudes, and friends. (1 hour)
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Children of Character: Increasing children’s self-discipline
Kathy will begin by defining discipline, examining goals of discipline, and discussing advantages of children being self-disciplined. We will consider prerequisites and characteristics of discipline that dignifies children; some major causes of children's misbehavior; the use of consequences, rewards, and punishments when dealing with misbehavior; and ways to teach appropriate behavior to especially increase children's self-discipline, self-respect, and respect for others. (3-6 hours)
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Dominant Donna and Silent Sam: Successful discussions without hand raising
Do you set out to have quality discussions, but find yourself having question-answer interrogations instead? Are only some students involved? Are you frustrated by the hand-raising “games” your students play? Students’ passivity or domination is frustrating. Therefore, practical, realistic, and fun methods to increase thinking, involvement, and level participation will be fully explained and demonstrated. They can make an immediate and positive impact on attitudes and abilities. (1 hour)
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Eaglelike Excellence: Overcoming Mediocrity
Setting and maintaining high standards can be difficult as it’s easy to become satisfied with mediocrity. From the study of eagles, teachers will be reminded that they need eaglelike energy, strength, and vision in order to achieve excellence. We’ll discover who have been “eagles” for us and how we can be “eagles” for others – caring with eaglelike energy, strength, and vision. (1 hour)
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Fabulous Feedback: The art of complimenting and correcting children
Compliments and corrections have the power to increase or decrease children’s self-esteem, self-discipline, intrinsic motivation, and learning. Therefore, they’re a very important communication and teaching tool. In addition to other points, the value of specific and focused compliments and corrections vs. general statements such as “good” and “that’s unacceptable” will be emphasized. Differences between corrections and criticisms will be explained and modeled. (1 hour)
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Follow to Lead: Establishing a personal board of directors
Although it’s easier to find books and classes on leadership, studying “followership” may be more important. Who is influencing you? Who are you listening to? What would you benefit from learning? Who in your life can help you learn this? You’ll learn a very practical, revealing, and enjoyable method of regularly asking and answering these key questions. Following equips us to lead.(1-2 hours)
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How am I Smart? A practical guide to multiple intelligences
All children, teens, and adults have eight different intelligences that can be awakened, strengthened, focused, and trained (e.g., word smart, nature smart, self smart). These intelligences will be defined and explained so teachers and small group leaders can determine which ones are strengths for their students and how to use them when teaching and leading discussions. Specific ideas about how students think with each intelligence and how each is expressed will be shared (e.g., word-smart children think with words and learn well by reading, writing, speaking and listening; logic-smart children think with questions and learn well when using cause/effect and comparison/contrast thinking). Children, teens, and adults will self-identify their strengths and weaknesses, learn ways to maximize learning while minimizing distractions, be empowered to be smart with their smarts, and discover they have been made uniquely smart. (1-6 hours)
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Is Anybody (Learning) Out There? Improving grades by focusing students' thinking
All students think all the time, but they don’t necessarily think about what you want them to think about. For example, rather than being able to answer your questions, were they thinking about what you were wearing or the places in the history lesson rather than the people you were going to emphasize? Were they surprised you used the verb “compare” in a question? When you asked for an opinion, how many didn’t have one? Or, is that all they had when you tried to discuss facts in the chapter? Focusing thinking is essential if you’re going to improve learning and increase test scores. Learn how! (1-2 hours)
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Leadership Teams: Change Agents for the future
When putting together leadership teams, it’s essential that we involve future-oriented change agents. These team leaders can be identified when we think about different types of influencers (five E words) and different types of workers (five I words). Because individuals are identified through their team strengths, focus and productivity will increase. As you listen, you’ll be able to identify who fulfills these roles in your life, which type of influence and/or worker you’re without, and your influence and work strengths. (1-2 hours)
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Motivation: Change the T.A.R.G.E.T. to increase the S.C.O.R.E.
All children, teens, and adults are motivated, but they might not be motivated to learn and succeed. Have you met some who are motivated to fail, remain apathetic, or get into trouble? Unfortunately, they're often present. In this seminar, practical, realistic, and helpful ideas to get and keep children, teens, and adults motivated to learn and succeed will be explained and demonstrated. You will be encouraged! (When enough time is allowed, ideas from the “Fabulous Feedback” seminar are included.) (1-2 hours)
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No Two Alike: Teaching a group without losing an individual
Have you noticed learning differences among your children? What one enjoys, another might find boring. What helps one understand something might confuse another. Some grasp details well, while others do better with main ideas. (Have you ever told children to do four things, but they only do one?) Some remember best by seeing, others by talking, and still others by moving and doing. Some concentrate well in formal, well lit, and quiet settings and others concentrate well in the middle of what looks like chaos to us. Understanding learning styles can help us individualize our communication, discipline, and teaching. You’ll get a practical overview of three different learning styles. The models include environmental preferences (how students concentrate), modalities (how students remember), and cognitive style (how students understand). The ideas will help you determine and communicate to strengths, discipline with these strengths in mind, and teach to the strengths. More success and less stress is the outcome. (1-2 hours)
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Note-Taking Strategies: A K-12 approach
Note taking during class and while studying is one of the most important skills for students to learn. The habit of note taking needs to begin in the primary grades, with more independence expected each year. Taking and making accurate, complete, and well-organized notes and learning how to study from them can improve comprehension, retention, and application of the ideas. Confidence and test scores can increase. Therefore, several realistic strategies that teachers of all grade levels and subjects can model while teaching, and students can use while learning, will be clearly explained and modeled. This seminar can be shared with teachers from many grades at the same time (e.g., K-5, K-8, 6-12) so teachers can see the benefits of developing a scope and sequence chart for note-taking strategies. It’s also very appropriate for teachers from just a few grades and/or teachers from just one or two disciplines (e.g., 6-8, social studies and science teachers). (1-2 hours)
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Overcoming the Challenges of Change: Practical steps for permanent change
Change is not only possible, it’s essential if our children are to mature into excellence. But, change isn’t easy. What can help? We’ll look at the role of “power thinking,” the “application arrow,” and the “stop/learn” principle. We’ll also learn to put off qualities of our old self and what to put on instead. The steps will be practical and the examples will guide you as you apply the ideas to yourself and individual children who need to change beliefs or behaviors. (1-3 hours)
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Strong-Willed: A focus on solutions
Are you raising or teaching strong-willed children who always want their way? In this practical and encouraging session, we’ll examine why strong-willed children behave the way they do. Then several strategies that can immediately improve your relationships and lead to peace will be clearly explained and demonstrated. More importantly, perhaps, strong-willed children will be more able to thrive when they learn first-time obedience through these strategies. (1-2 hours)
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Teach Them, Don't Tell Them: Study strategies that work
Most teachers expect their students to study, probably remind them to study, and tell them to “study hard.” But have we taught our students HOW to study? Strategies that teachers can use to facilitate teaching and students can use to facilitate learning will be clearly explained and modeled. Motivation, comprehension, retention, and application can all improve when strategies and skills from all eight studying categories are modeled, taught, and used. Ideas will be practical and easy to implement. (This seminar can be shared with teachers from many grades at the same time [e.g., K-5, K-8, 6-12, K-12] so teachers can see the benefits of developing a scope and sequence chart for study strategies. It’s also very appropriate for teachers from just a few grades and/or teachers from just one or two disciplines. (1-3 hours)
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Where are Today’s Geniuses: 12 qualities to encourage in yourself and others
Are you one of those asking where today’s Edisons and Einsteins are? Have you been curious about what geniuses have in common and how we might recognize the geniuses in our classes? Tom Armstrong’s research resulted in an encouraging list of twelve basic qualities of genius (e.g., curiosity, playfulness, imagination). We’ll examine the list (you’ll probably be surprised), define the qualities, discuss what may shut down these qualities, and consider how we can encourage these qualities in ourselves and our students. (1 hour)
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The following seminars are appropriate for Christian educators only:
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A Heart Like Mary: Responding to God’s call
Jesus Christ’s mother, Mary, obediently and humbly responded to the angel’s news that she would give birth to the long-awaited Savior. How do we respond to what God asks us to do? Let’s learn from Mary’s life and choose to develop a heart like hers. (1 hour)
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Decisions for Disciples (Includes Net-Dropping and Hold His Hand)
Jesus Christ calls to each of us, “Come, follow Me.” But, some of us think more about following God’s commands than following God. That’s a mistake. Jesus says, “Follow Me.” But, how? In rich detail Kathy will explain three decisions that must be made in order to fully follow Christ. This relevant and important message will meet needs wherever you are on your spiritual journey. You will be encouraged and challenged to further spiritual maturity. (3 hours)
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Got Hope? Optimistic living during challenging times
When the going gets rough, pessimism and discouragement can set in. Hope is essential. Despair doesn’t inspire. Pessimism doesn’t expect. Optimism does. Hope happens when our basic needs of security, identity, belonging, purpose, and competence are met in healthy ways. We’ll be more fulfilled and successful in all of life. Because of our focus and joy, we’ll be less likely to experiment with drugs, alcohol, and other high-risk activities. There will be fewer behavior, motivation, and academic problems at school, work, and home. Learn the best answers to the core needs’ questions and how to help others believe them: Who do I trust?, Who am I?, Who wants me?, Why am I alive?, and What do I do well?. You’ll have hope for today and for tomorrow! (1-6 hours; Kathy’s approach and exact content will depend on the audience and the event’s goals)
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Hold His Hand: Walking with your Father
God created us to have a relationship with Him. We don’t have to go through life on our own. Rather, we can respond to God’s offer and hold His hand as we walk through our valley experiences and celebrate on the mountaintops. How do we keep Him that close? Why would we want to? What difference can it make? Whether you’re new to the family of God or a longtime member, you’ll be refreshed. Those who haven’t yet made a commitment to Christ may learn something new so they can say “Yes” to Christ! (1 hour)
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Jesus IS . . . Jesus DOES . . . Recognizing Him in my everyday
When we know Jesus well, we have a better idea of what to expect from Him. Expectations help us find Him and praise Him day by day. In turn, when we recognize Jesus has done something for us, we can learn something about Him. Jesus is actively involved in our lives because of WHO He is and because of WHAT He does. Praise Him! (1 hour)
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Master Method: Teaching Jesus’ way
What does it mean to share the career of Christ? What contributed to His teaching effectiveness? Can we really teach in the same ways? By examining Jesus’ teaching methods, we will learn much about effective teaching. When we teach like the Master Teacher our learners can be master learners. Come to learn something new about Jesus, teaching, and learning. This fresh look at effective teaching will inspire you. (1-3 hours)
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Miracles Matter: You are who you are supposed to be
Every child is a unique miracle who matters. Children who understand their uniqueness believe in themselves and are more willing to strive to develop their talents. They’re able to keep believing even in the midst of challenging circumstances. The illustrations shared bring this meaningful and upbeat message to life! (1 hour)
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Mordecai: A model for mentoring
Because of Mordecai’s mentoring, obedience, and courage and Queen Esther’s courageous and obedient actions, the Jewish people were saved. Seeing their God-given opportunity, Mordecai and Esther seized it! Their lives made a difference. Today’s precious children need adults to come alongside and instruct and guide them much like Mordecai did for Esther. Let’s examine Mordecai’s methods so we can use them effectively to transform children we know and, through them, the world! (1-2 hours)
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Net-Dropping: The choice to become a disciple
Jesus Christ says to each person, “Come, follow Me.” But, some of us think more about following God’s commands than following God. That’s a mistake. Jesus says, “Follow Me.” But, how? In rich detail Kathy will explain a key decision that must be made in order to fully follow Christ. This relevant and important message will meet needs wherever you are on your spiritual journey. You will be encouraged and challenged to further spiritual maturity. (1 hour)
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Psalm 23: A Psalm to live by
Like others, you might think you know Psalm 23. But, do you really? Perhaps you’ve memorized it, but do you understand all the rich messages that are relevant for today’s quick-paced times? The Shepherd makes us, leads us, restores us . . . the verbs are so vivid and comforting. And, have you paid attention to the places? The sheep don’t just spend time in a valley! You’ll enjoy and greatly benefit from Dr. Kathy’s dynamic, practical, and accurate phrase-by-phrase teaching of this Psalm to live by. (1 hour)
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Put Off/Put On: Renewing the mind for permanent change
Change is not only possible, it’s essential if our children are to mature into excellence. But, change isn’t easy. What can help? We’ll look at the role of “power thinking,” the “application arrow,” and the “stop/learn” principle. We’ll also learn to put off qualities of our old self and what to put on instead. The steps will be practical and the examples will guide you as you apply the ideas to yourself and individual children who need to change beliefs or behaviors. (1-3 hours)
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Under the Influence: Followership, a prerequisite for leadership
Although it's easier to find books and classes on leadership, studying "followership" may be more important. We become like those we follow so we should be strategic in deciding who to listen to and who to be influenced by. We must be the best people we can be! What would you benefit from learning? Who has God given you who can help you learn this? You'll learn a very practical, revealing, and enjoyable method of regularly asking and answering these key questions. Kathy will explain why she listens to the voices she listens to and people will be invited to share, as well. Following equips us to lead. (1-2 hours)
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Wired for God: Using multiple intelligences to get closer to God
A companion session to “How am I Smart?” or other teaching about evangelism or discipleship, “Wired for God” will equip leaders, teachers, and parents to introduce adults, teens, and children to God through the multiple intelligences. As a result, people who already know God may know Him more completely and connect with Him more personally. Those who don’t yet know Christ, may discover truths that motivate them to humbly trust Christ alone for their salvation. Nothing is better! This unique presentation is very eye-opening! (1 hour)
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Associate Speaker - Dr. Linda Page's Seminars for Teachers
Dr. Linda Page - Dealing with the D’s (ADD, ODD, and LD)
You perhaps have all kinds of D’s in the classroom – including children/teenagers labeled ADD, ODD, and LD. Do you want some new realistic ideas for positively meeting their needs? Who doesn’t? Linda will present specific and practical strategies to increase the likelihood these children/teenagers will be successful in the classroom. You will also come to understand how the world looks through an ADD, LD brain. [K-12, public school,Christian,1-1½ hours]
Dr. Linda Page - Inclusion Confusion: Dreams or Nightmares?
Many teachers and parents see inclusive education as a dream come true while others find it to be their worst nightmare. Inclusion is all about leveling the playing field, but how? This presentation draws upon Linda’s years of experience in successfully jumping through hoops and knocking down barriers to make inclusion work. Inclusion done well is a dream. Perhaps this presentation can help make yours come true. [K-12, public school, Christian, 1-1½ hours]
Dr. Linda Page - Understanding Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome: What’s a Teacher to Do?
Teachers are noticing more and more students arriving in their classrooms with either Autism or Asperger’s Syndrome. What do these two terms really mean and what do you need to know as a classroom or special education teacher? This workshop will enable you to approach students with Autism or Asperger’s with confidence and understanding. Strategies and accommodations will be offered as well as encouraging words for addressing students with these special needs.
[K-12, public school, Christian, 1-2 hours]
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Dr. Kathy promotes positive relationships and builds confidence in children, parents, and educators. |
