Hook students from the start
Purposeful Activating Strategies signal relevance, spark curiosity, and connect prior knowledge to new ideas.
Pathways to Student Engagement Part 3: Activating Strategies and Vocabulary Instruction Event: March 23, 2026 in Asheville NC
Start every lesson strong.
Learn practical Activating Strategies and Vocabulary Instruction you can use immediately.
Date: Monday, March 23, 2026
Time: 8:30 AM–3:30 PM ET
Location: Asheville, NC
Price: $197 per person (includes materials valued at $105)
Save!: Register 3 or more people to save $50!
Add to Your Calendar:
Inspire Thinking. Build Confidence. Empower Learning.
The focus of Pathways to Student Engagement Part 3 is on two essential launch strategies that ensure all students can access rigorous content from the very beginning of lessons. Activating Strategies hook student interest and bridge the gap between prior knowledge and new learning. This is paired with foundational Vocabulary Instruction, which equips students with the specific language they need to comprehend and engage with the lesson's core concepts.
By mastering these strategies, educators ensure that students are prepared to collaborate, write, and respond to higher order thinking questions with the confidence, background knowledge, and academic language necessary to succeed. It completes the engagement puzzle by ensuring every lesson starts on solid ground.
Student engagement essentials for launching lessons that connect, spark thinking, and build academic vocabulary:
Engagement begins with thinking
Opening with higher-order thinking increases cognitive investment and sets the tone for deeper learning.
Background knowledge matters
Activating and building knowledge improves comprehension and retention—especially for students with limited exposure.
Vocabulary fuels academic success
Go beyond exposure: teach explicitly, revisit often, and require meaningful application of academic language.
Make vocabulary routines consistent
Plan routines that help students understand and use critical content words across subjects and texts.
Turn Word Walls into tools
Have students actively use academic vocabulary in discussion and writing to build confidence and precision.
By the end of this event, you will be able to…
- Explain the role of Activating Strategies and Vocabulary Instruction in promoting all dimensions of student engagement.
- Plan and implement effective Activating Strategies that connect to prior knowledge, build background, and spark engagement.
- Apply the characteristics of effective vocabulary instruction across all content areas.
- Identify and teach critical vocabulary using a structured process and a variety of instructional strategies.
- Create and use Word Walls and other tools to support ongoing vocabulary growth.
- Develop consistent routines that support academic success for all students.
What You Will Receive
Along with attending a workshop led by a Learning-Focused expert, participants will also receive the following resources and materials (valued at $105):
- Pathways to Student Engagement Part 3: Activating Strategies and Vocabulary Instruction Book ($55)
- Pathways to Student Engagement Part 3: Activating Strategies and Vocabulary Instruction Flipcards ($25)
- 12-month Learning-Focused Online membership ($25)
- Resources are provided to you at the workshop
Your Facilitator
Catherine Schwoebel
With over 16 years in K–12 education, Catherine Schwoebel is a dedicated instructional coach, curriculum specialist, and teacher mentor who has spent the last decade coaching elementary and middle school educators in curriculum development, standards alignment, and data-driven instruction. She holds a North Carolina teaching license and a K–12 Curriculum Instructional Specialist certification, along with an Executive Certificate in Instructional Design Technology, and is pursuing a Ph.D. in the same field. A military spouse of 18 years and mother of two, Catherine brings a personal understanding of the challenges faced by military families and students. Her commitment to excellence, innovation, and lifelong learning drives her mission to create meaningful educational experiences that empower students and educators to thrive.
When and Where
Pathways to Student Engagement Part 3: Activating Strategies and Vocabulary Instruction Event: March 23, 2026 in Asheville NC
Address (click to view on map):
200 District Drive Ste 001
Asheville, NC 28803
Date:
March 23, 2026
Time:
8:30AM - 3:30PM ET
Act fast! Only 22 spots available for this small group workshop
- Register by March 1, 2026 in order to secure your spot.
- Participants are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis only. To secure your spot, register today!
Register for the Pathways to Student Engagement Part 3: Activating Strategies and Vocabulary Instruction Event: March 23, 2026 in Asheville NC:
Date: Monday, March 23, 2026
Time: 8:30 AM–3:30 PM ET
Location: Asheville, NC
Price: $197 per person (includes materials valued at $105)
Save! Register 3 or more to save $50!
Discount automatically applied when checking out.
How many people are you registering?
Frequently asked questions
Who should attend this event?
K–12 teachers, instructional coaches, school leaders, and district support staff.
Are there any Prerequisites for this event?
This event does not have any prerequisites for participating.
How do I register myself or a team for this event?
In the "How many people are you registering?" section above, change the quantity to how many people you want to register. Then, add each participant's name and email address in the field provided. Lastly, click Add to Cart.
You will then click on View Cart or Check Out to purchase the event registrations with a credit card or an invoice (if you are a school or district we can send you an invoice for you to pay with a check).
Registration is not complete until you check out.
Is Academic Credit provided for the event?
As a Learning-Focused professional development participant, you may qualify for academic credit through your school or district. You may request a certificate of attendance by emailing customerservice@learningfocused.com, based on 10 hours of professional
development for this event.
What about lodging and transportation?
Participants are responsible for their lodging and transportation. Please do not make your hotel reservation until you have received a
confirmation email from Learning-Focused. Please do not purchase nonrefundable airline tickets. If you do not receive a confirmation email within 5 days of submitting your registration, please email customerservice@learningfocused.com or call 866-955-3276 to
confirm your registration. After your paid registration has been processed you will be provided additional information about the event
location and hotels.
What is your cancellation policy?
If you are unable to attend an event you have registered for, contact Learning-Focused through email at
customerservice@learningfocused.com or by calling 866-955-3276 no later than 30 calendar days prior to the start of the event to
request a credit that can be used for Learning-Focused products or events.
After the 30-day timeframe, you are ineligible for a credit, but you may send a nonregistered person in your place, with registration
confirmation or written authorization from you.
For all cancellations, there is a $50 processing fee.
What are the Terms and Conditiions?
Learning-Focused reserves the right to reschedule a session because of low registration. In the unlikely event of the institute being
rescheduled, all registrants will be notified and will receive full refunds or be able to transfer their registration to another date.
