The One Thing Conference

The One Thing Conference: Workshop Series

The One Thing Conference provides high-quality, practice-based, MSDE PDP-aligned professional learning experiences for Maryland PK-12 educators, school leaders, and education professionals facilitated by the world-class faculty, researchers, and staff  at the University of Maryland  College of Education.
 

In Spring 2026, we're introducing a new format: The One Thing Conference Workshop Series! Join us for four intimate, deep-dive Saturday workshops. Each 4-hour session (9am-1pm) will focus on just one topic—a single strategy, practice, or concept with the power to make real change in classrooms and schools.

New Spring 2026 Workshop Format

The One Thing Conference workshops are:

Small and Personal: Each workshop will be limited to a maximum of 35 learners.

Expert Facilitation: Workshops will be led by teams of 2-3 College of Education faculty and staff.

Deep, Practice-Based Learning: Four full hours on a single topic during which learners will experience, explore, engage with, and plan to implement new practices.

Stand-Alone Workshops: Learners can register for one, two, three, or all four workshops—each workshop is designed to be complete on its own.

The Learning Cycle

Each workshop will be designed to engage learners through a, practice-based learning cycle:

1. Experience – Engage directly with the strategy or practice
2. Explore – Learn about and reflect on challenges and solutions relevant to your context
3. Engage – Practice and rehearse new approaches
4. Plan for Enactment – Create concrete plans to implement in your classroom

Example: A four-hour workshop on increasing student talk might have learners participate in a lively discussion (experience), brainstorm solutions to common challenges (explore), rehearse facilitation strategies (engage), and develop a plan for their own classroom (plan for enactment).

MSDE Professional Development Areas

Each workshop topic will align with one or more of these MSDE professional development areas:

1. Content or pedagogy related to an area on your educator's license
2. English as a Second Language, Sheltered English, or Bilingual Education
3. Strategies for teaching students with disabilities or differentiated instruction for diverse learning needs
4. Culturally Responsive Teaching or diverse student identities in education

Workshop Schedule and Location

Learn more about each workshop and register here!

Workshop 1: Saturday, March 28, 2026 | 9am-1pm

PDP Focus: Culturally Responsive Teaching or diverse student identities in education

Audience: This workshop will have two tracks, one for Early Childhood, Elementary, and Middle Grade Educators, and one for Middle and Secondary Educators

Workshop 2: Saturday, April 18, 2026 | 9am-1pm

PDP Focus: Strategies for teaching students with disabilities or differentiated instruction for diverse learning needs

Audience: Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle, and Secondary Educators

Workshop 3: Saturday, May 2, 2026 | 9am-1pm

PDP Focus: Content or Pedagogy Related to an Area of Licensure

Audience: This workshop will have two tracks: 

Track 1 will focus on Mathematics instruction for Elementary and Middle Grades educators.

Track 2 will focus on writing instruction across all grade levels and content areas, including Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle, and Secondary Educators

Workshop 4: Saturday, May 30, 2026 | 9am-1pm

PDP Focus: English as a Second Language, Sheltered English, or Bilingual Education

Audience: Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle, and Secondary Educators

Snacks and coffee provided | Free parking in Regents Garage on Saturdays