6th Annual ATA Beginning Teacher Institute

The ATA Beginning Teacher Institute is a professional learning opportunity for all Arizona teachers preparing for their first, second, or third year in the classroom. Specifically created with new teachers in mind, the institute supports meaningful growth through practical, immediately applicable strategies while fostering authentic connections with a community of peers navigating the same journey.

As a part of this year's theme, Building an Optimal Learning Environment, we will dive into Re-Envisioning Rigor by Dr. Michael McDowell, where he explores the idea that true rigor is not an isolated moment but a daily practice embedded within a supportive, student-centered classroom culture. Through inspiring keynotes, interactive workshops, live simulations, and collaborative homeroom-style breakouts, participants will explore how trust, safety, and belonging create the conditions for rigorous learning to thrive. Educators will practice weaving rigorous routines across subjects and grade levels, building student ownership, engagement, and deeper learning, while leaving equipped with concrete strategies and a supportive network to confidently carry this work into the school year ahead.

Teachers will build community through:

• Connections during breakout groups
• Whole group debrief discussions
• Time to reflect on what has been working and what can be refined as we move into the next school year

About Michael McDowell, Ed.D.
Michael McDowell was a public school educator for 18 years, serving in the roles of classroom teacher, academic and athletic coach, school principal, assistant superintendent of personnel and instruction, and superintendent. During his tenure as a superintendent, his school district received state and national accolades including the National Blue Ribbon Award which recognized their work for student performance and mental health and well-being in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic by the U.S. Department of Education.

Dr. McDowell serves on educational boards, served as a college professor, and has worked for non-profit organizations to enhance student learning around the world. Over the course of his career, Dr. McDowell has authored bestselling books, created professional learning programs and workbooks, provided keynotes and workshops, and provided practical tools and resources for thousands of teachers and leaders on almost every continent around the world. A prolific author and consultant, Dr. McDowell is recognized as one of the leading authorities on integrating innovative and impactful practices into schools. Dr. McDowell is an author consultant for The Core Collaborative and co-founder of Hinge Education. In addition to keynotes, Michael supports districts around the world, where he partners with educational leaders and teams to implement high-leverage strategies that will enhance teaching and learning in classrooms, schools, and systems.