The One Thing Conference
Professional Learning to Transform Education for Good
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 ÉòоÓïÀÏʦ¼Ò·ÃÂ黨ÊÓƵ 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:
- Experience – Engage directly with the strategy or practice
- Explore – Learn about and reflect on challenges and solutions relevant to your context
- Engage – Practice and rehearse new approaches
- 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:
- Content or pedagogy related to an area on your educator's license
- English as a Second Language, Sheltered English, or Bilingual Education
- Strategies for teaching students with disabilities or differentiated instruction for diverse learning needs
- Culturally Responsive Teaching or diverse student identities in education
Workshop Schedule and Location
Workshop 1: Saturday, March 14, 2026 | 9am-1pm
Workshop 2: Saturday, April 11, 2026 | 9am-1pm
Workshop 3: Saturday, April 18, 2026 | 9am-1pm
Workshop 4: Saturday, May 2, 2026 | 9am-1pm
Snacks and coffee provided | Free parking in Regents Garage on Saturdays
