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Thanks for filling out this form: PAIS & Carlow University - Elevate Learning, a Teaching and Learning Conference, Workshop Proposal Form

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PAIS & Carlow University - Elevate Learning, a Teaching and Learning Conference, Workshop Proposal Form

Please use this form to submit a proposal to present a workshop for Elevate Learning, a Teaching and Learning Conference on Monday, October 19, 2026 at Carlow University in Pittsburgh. All proposals are due by August 25, 2026 and applicants will be notified on or before September 8, 2026.  Registration will open the week of July 13, before workshops are known. All conference workshop sessions will be 60 minutes in length and there will be three workshop sessions.

There are THREE conference TRACKS: 

TRACK ONE: Learning Differences (executive functions, behavior, social-emotional learning, accommodations in the classroom, writing, etc.)

TRACK TWO: The Science and Design of Student Engagement (how students learn, teaching strategies, reflection as a tool, metacognition, motivation, student voice, belonging, etc)

TRACK THREE: AI in Education (AI as a teaching tool, assessment, lesson planning, AI literacy, privacy and security, etc)

Email *

mark.rauterkus@gmail.com

1. What is your first and last name? *

Mark Rauterkus

2. What is your school or organization? *

The Ellis School & International Swim Coaches Association

3. What is your title or role? Include the division(s) with which you work, if applicable. *

Swim Coach, Webmaster, Publisher

4. What is your preferred email for communication purposes? *

mark.rauterkus@gmail.com

5. What is your cell phone number? *

412-298-3432

6. Title of your Presentation (no more than 10 words) *

Reflection Builds Engagement: Take-Away Tools (Lycra and AI Optional)

7. Presentation Description (no more than 200 words) *

Student engagement deepens when reflection becomes a regular part of learning, team life, and communication. In this interactive session, Coach Mark Rauterkus shares practical ways to help students recognize progress, name challenges, set goals, and communicate what they are learning. The session begins with the story of The Treasure Within, a swim log and reflection journal created by Coach Kevin DeForrest and used with athletes at U of I and Penn State. Participants will examine how journals, prompts, and guided reflection can strengthen motivation, metacognition, student voice, belonging, and communication with trusted adults. The workshop also introduces CrewLAB, a free platform that supports reflection, team and club communication, guardian involvement, and Safe Sport-compliant interaction. These proven approaches can be adapted for classrooms, advisory groups, athletic teams, clubs, arts programs, and after-school settings. Coach Mark will share a printed handout and digital copies of three books: The Treasure Within, Mental Skills for Young Athletes, and Chapter Zero: The AI Coaching Wizard. Participants will leave with practical resources they can begin using immediately.

8. What track best represents your workshop? *

TRACK ONE: Learning Differences

TRACK TWO: The Science and Design of Student Engagement

TRACK THREE: AI in Education

9. Target Audience (check all that apply) *

✓

Heads of School/Assistant and Associate Heads of School/Superintendents

Lower School teachers and Division Directors/Principals

✓

Middle School teachers, advisors, and Division Directors/Principals

✓

Upper School teachers, advisors, and Division Directors/Principals

School Counselors and Psychologists

Learning Support staff

✓

Deans of Students

✓

Curriculum Coordinators and Department Chairs

✓

Other:

Athletic and Activity Directors; Theater, Music, Debate, Club, and After-School Program Leaders

10. Learning Objectives (share at least 2-3 intended outcomes) *

By the end of the session, participants will be able to: Use structured reflection prompts to strengthen student engagement, motivation, metacognition, and communication. Adapt reflection tools for classrooms, advisory groups, athletic teams, clubs, arts programs, and after-school settings. Identify practical digital and print resources that can support student voice, goal-setting, belonging, and communication with trusted adults and guardians.

11. Technology needed (please describe) *

No conference-provided technology is required. The presenter will bring a printed handout with summary information and resource links. A flash drive or Mac laptop may be used if presentation equipment is available. Participants will be invited to use their own phones, tablets, or laptops during the interactive portions of the session.

12. Have you presented at another conference? (New presenters are welcome!) *

Yes

No

13. Presenter Bio (no more than 100 words) *

Mark Rauterkus is a Pittsburgh-based swim coach, publisher, and digital strategist with decades of experience in education, athletics, and community programming. He has coached at The Ellis School since 2017 and serves as webmaster for the International Swim Coaches Association and a leader with WAFSU.org. Mark has presented more than 20 times at national and international coaching conferences, spoken to Pittsburgh art educators about literacy through murals and athletics, and presented at WordCamp technology events. His work connects student engagement, reflection, team culture, publishing, and practical technology.

14. List name, title/role, and school or organization of any co-presenters. (You will be asked to be the point person for all communication.)

None

15. If applicable, provide the bio for any co-presenter(s). (This can also be added at a later date.)

None

16. Do you have any questions or other information to add?

Thanks! Good luck.

Additional Details

Please note that although PAIS & Carlow University will not be offering honoraria to presenters, the conference registration fee for the lead presenter will be 100% comped, and the registration fee reduced by 50% for up to 2 other co-presenters. If you are submitting a proposal AND you wish to register this summer, you may select the "pay later" option.

Although not all proposals will be chosen, all will be given careful consideration and acceptance is based on the program content and the overall balance of the conference. We appreciate your commitment to teaching and learning, and your willingness to participate in this program!

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