Don Bott, speaker

Don Bott has spoken to hundreds of groups over more than 30 years, students as well as adults. Most of his presentations over a 20 year period beginning in the late 1990s involved scholastic journalism. In more recent years he has focused on teacher training and professional development. Session topics have included the following:

  • New teacher training

  • Writing instruction

  • Rigor

  • ChatGPT in the English classroom (two-part series)

What attendees had to say in feedback

Writing in the 22nd century (9/19/24)

4.9 out of 5 (32 attendees)

Comments

  • This is the first PD that was beneficial. It did not feel like I was in a never ending infomercial to buy a product like with TCM. We need more district-based presenters. We have so many professional teachers who have a wealth of knowledge and resources that stems from their lived experiences in the classroom.

  • This PD was fantastic as is. I enjoyed and appreciated Bott's inclusion of his work in and out of the field. A master class indeed. Bring back Bott for more! Everyone needs to take his class!

  • I am not an English teacher but I found this learning experience to be very helpful. My outlook on the writing process has changed, and teaching essays is less daunting.

  • The trainer was very good; he was excited about what he was presenting, which made me want to learn more about what he had to say.

  • The teacher was very experienced and enthusiastic about writing.

  • Mr Bott as usual provided excellent insight and meaningful exercises.

  • I will now create writing opportunities with purpose and audience at the forefront to motivate and engage students in my classroom such as school wide writing contests or physically publishing students' work.


Ten Top Tips for New Teachers (1/19/24)

4.9 out of 5 (28 present)

Comments

  • The presenter provided effective and reasonable tips for teachers to not only successfully manage classrooms, but the reassurance that growth as a teacher requires reflection, a positive outlook, and time.

  • The training gave me awesome ideas to be a better teacher.

  • Amazing tips! Great presenter, his experience in the classroom bleeds through his presentation. Amazing member of SUSD

  • He was engaging!


Befriending the Enemy: The Next Steps in Dealing with ChatGPT (1/19/24)

4.5 out of 5 (28 present)

Comments

  • We engaged in the activity; it was a student-centered activity in a positive learning environment.

  • Trust students more. Model expectations. Stay flexible and trust the process. I enjoyed the activity and I can see various ways I can use it the same way in my class and ways that I can play with it. It is a wonderful addition to my toolbox.

  • Taught me how to do a whole class analysis on a text (poem)!

  • Everything was super useful!

  • No suggestions, Bott is a wizard!

  • Whiteboard activity was instructive and engaging.