Sample Content from Past Summer Conferences: 

Boulder Journey School Summer Conference 2022
Collaborative Conversations, Creative Invitations
On June 22 and 23, 2022, we gathered for our first in-person conference ​‘Collaborative Conversations, Creative Invitations’, in two years. We had a joyous time learning and connecting with participants from all over the United States and Canada.

The conference included plenary sessions and a choice of four hands-on workshops from the following topics:
  • Messing About: Joyful Play to Uncover Children’s Learning
  • A Way of Knowing: Playing with the Scientific Process
  • Making Learning Visible
  • Generating Curriculum Possibilities
  • Re-enchanting Ourselves
  • Examining the World through Lenses of Metaphor, Poetry, and Animism
  • Intelligently Responsive Environments​
Reflections from participants
"I found kindness here and a deep appreciation for the children in this school and through that, the embracing of the families and then the wholeness they bring to the community."
"After being in this field for over 39 years, I have never been so inspired at the level you have imparted to me and my [school] family. Thank you for the genuine love and dedication you 'LIVE' for children. Your environment speaks… 'We love you, please come and and be what you were created for.'"
"Everyone had a spark in their eyes and I could feel that passion for early education."
Boulder Journey School Virtual Summer Conference 2021
Supportive Social Learning: The Story of Life and Learning at School
A virtual conference exploring stories of Supportive Social Learning, human connection, and community care in the early childhood classroom. 
This conference included six hours of pre-recorded presentations. 
All presentations will explore the philosophy of Supportive Social Learning through broad topics, such as:
  • the role of the teacher
  • technology in ECE
  • observation and documentation
  • daily life in an infant classroom
  • anti-racism and advocacy
as well as specific classroom projects including:
  • school pets
  • using robots with 2-year-olds
  • study of germs in response to the pandemic
  • children's perspectives on housing insecurity
The audio presentation, 'Supportive Social Learning - A Practice in Honoring & Embracing our Right to being Human' has been converted to a self-paced Virtual Workshop. To register, visit our Virtual Workshops page.

2020 Summer Conference Topics

Presentations:
  • Innovating in Uncertain Times with Alison Maher, Executive Director and Andrea Sisbarro, School Director​
  • What Sound Does a Space Chicken Make? with Greg Morgan, Mentor Teacher and Alex Morgan, Community Outreach Specialist
  • Math Is… with Kirsten Zimbelman, Mentor Advisor
  • The Realities and Nuances of Observation, Documentation, and Assessment with Jen Selbitschka, Teacher Education Program Director
  • An Ongoing Investigation of Home: Moving from Concept to Deeper Meaning with Jacie Engel, Studio Teacher and Nicole Gold, Mentor Teacher

Facilitated Focus Group Topics
  • ​Documentation, The Link that Ties Us Together - facilitated by Laura Freund, Mentor Teacher and Jen Selbitschka, Teacher Education Program Director
  • Playing with Math - facilitated by Kirsten Zimbelman, Mentor Teacher and Kayla Klinzing, Mentor Teacher
  • Preparing to Return Back to School During COVID - facilitated by Vicki Oleson and Fara Cortez, School Directors
  • Complexities of Being Back During COVID - facilitated by Andrea Sisbarro, School Director
  • Staying Connected with Families During COVID - facilitated by Mollie Lyne, Mentor Teacher and Liz Mark, Mentor Teacher
  • The Infant Experience of Home Learning - facilitated by Charlotte Hunt, Mentor Teacher and Brittny Johnson, Mentor Teacher ​
  • Moving Forward as School Leaders and Change Agents - facilitated by Alison Maher, Executive Director
  • Exploring Expressive Languages During Social Distancing - facilitated by Jacie Engel, Studio Teacher
  • Curriculum Planning in Unknown Times - facilitated by Erin Smarr, Mentor Teacher and Lauren Berry, Mentor Teacher
  • Technology as a Medium for Connection - facilitated by Alex Morgan, Community Outreach Specialist and Greg Morgan, Mentor Teacher
  • Through the Lens of The Nest - facilitated by Nina Somps, Mentor Teacher and Maureen Condon, Mentor Teacher
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2016 Summer Conference
“There were so many concepts that I plan to take back to my classroom and implement immediately, but the most incredible parts of the conference and presentations were those which allowed for deep thinking and processing that will happen over time.”
​- Reflection from a participant

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“I have been refreshed and rejuvenated in in my understanding of ‘how’ and ‘why’ we create experiences and opportunities alongside children.”​- Reflection from a participant

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Video featured in a 2016 Summer Conference presentation

2015 Summer Conference

Storify is a social network service that lets the user create stories or timelines using social media such as Twitter. 
Click below to read the Storify from the 2015 conference:
"The Brainzooming™ Group is the catalyst for business people needing to successfully identify and implement strategic, innovative ideas." - from the Brainzooming Website


Mike Brown, founder of The Brainzooming Group, opened the conference. Click below for one his blog posts reflecting on the experience:
2014 Summer Conference

A reflection from Hallie and Anthony Smith, Brisbane, Australia

What a wonderful experience and opportunity it has been for us to visit Boulder Journey School.
In the past two days we have been given a far too brief insight into the exceptional staff, teaching practices and philosophies that make this school a landmark school for educators.

We are envious of the fortunate families, both children and parents, who get to experience the wonderful day to day experiences and activities that are presented on a daily basis.

Thank you for making this conference so worthwhile, we will leave you not only with a wide range of new ideas and experiences but a new found level of enthusiasm and interest.

Thanks again and we hope to one day return in the not too distant future.
2013 Summer Conference

A reflection from Lori Ryan
Senior Instructor, 
University of Colorado Denver
School of Education and Human Development

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What does one say after attending the 2013 Boulder Journey School Summer Conference? The words that come to the top of my mind and from the bottom of my heart are, “Thank you Boulder Journey School!” After returning year after year and never missing one Summer Conference, this year I am struck by the BJS team who welcomed conference participants with their warmth and generosity. Throughout the conference days, BJS faculty not only shared their knowledge, tools, images, QR codes, and multiple strategies for innovation, but also their theories, doubts, wonderings, challenges and many, many daily moments in the life of the school. This authentic offering of the processes of learning over time and through the years is visible now more than ever.  Boulder Journey School is truly a school on a journey: a school that invites you in to travel alongside and to learn together. 

As we looked back, we also looked forward to the possibilities ahead—all in the spirit of true collaboration and in shared dedication to the future of childhood. I can only imagine what lies ahead! 
Boulder Journey School