PBL & STEAM 4 All

Vision
Inspire optimism, ignite collaboration, and instill a passion for global competence. 
 
Mission
Raise the bar for teaching and
learning through rigor, engagement, 21st Century Skills, PBL/STEAM, a Cognitive Upgrade, professional development, and technology.

About Acacia
I am enthusiastic about sharing
my repertoire of strategies and techniques with fellow educators. I believe in cultivating theory with practice to better serve the needs of teachers and students... Read More

What's your +1?
Bridge to Achievement 
​

FREE RESOURCES
Visit My Teachers Pay Teachers Site for Additional Resources
Presentations in 2020
InnovatEd Conference 2020
New Technology High School
Napa, CA
February 29, 2020

FREE Online Workshops for K-12 Educators!
Topics: PBL, STEAM, Interdisciplinary Mindsets and Equity 
April 16, 2020; April 23, 2020; April 30, 2020; May 7, 2020
All workshops are from 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm (pacific time)

International Society for Technology Education (ISTE) EdTech Conference
Anaheim Convention Center
Anaheim, CA
November 29 - December 5, 2020

California Association for Bilingual Education (CABE) Conference
Long Beach Convention Center
Long Beach, CA 
March 24-27, 2021 (*rescheduled from April 2020)

Presentations in 2019
California Association for Bilingual Education (CABE) Conference
Long Beach Convention Center
Long Beach, CA
March 20-23, 2019
*click here for session topic and information

PBL Institute for Teachers
UC Irvine - School of Education
Irvine, CA
June 18, 2019 and July 31, 2019
*sponsored by the UCI School of Education Teacher Academy and Schools First

Fall Cue Conference
Sacramento, CA
October 19-20, 2019

California STEAM Symposium
Anaheim Convention Center
Anaheim, CA
December 9-10, 2019 
+1 Pedagogy - Acacia's First Book

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​
Only 10% of schools implement PBL, and those that do mainly focus on math and science. EVERY subject can engage in PBL through the +1 Pedagogy framework! Read More

Build your own unit as you read! The book follows the "I Do, You Do" approach. As I unpack my unit, you create yours. A PBL and STEAM curriculum just for you! Over 30 templates and 9 sample units. The +1 Pedagogy framework is technology-based, inquiry-based, research-based, and interest-based.  MAKE STUDENTS SMARTER! 

Click here to purchase the +1 Pedagogy Curriculum and/or the +1 Pedagogy Planning Template and Calendar
​Click here for other presentations
​Click here for a helpful reading guide. 
"+1 Pedagogy is the art of capturing student interest and motivation through
technology, research, rigor, and real-world application.​" - Dr. Acacia Warren

Cognitive Upgrade - Acacia's Second Book
A HIGHLY RECOMMENDED FRAMEWORK FOR MAXIMIZING POTENTIAL AND PERFORMANCE!
We upgrade nearly everything in life - cell phones, cars, houses, shoes, clothes, jobs, jewelry, furniture, and etc. So why not a Cognitive Upgrade? This book draws from the author's professional experience as a K-12 teacher and administrator in urban schools, and most recent experience in teacher education at the university level. Cognitive theory is highlighted from a practitioner's standpoint. The Cognitive Upgrade (C-Up) framework is an innovative approach to transforming practice, mindsets, and pedagogical spaces in 21st century classrooms. The academic language and content is applicable to pre-service candidates, in-service teachers, researchers, and parents. The uniqueness of the book is highlighted through Tech Connects, Cognitive Tasks, and Q&As with eleven practitioners whose work directly impacts youth. Within these pages, you will also find:
 
•          Creative and inspiring approaches to learning
•          Research and empirical studies
•          Turnkey techniques for accelerating achievement
•          Self-help strategies
•          College, career, and real-world application
•          Celebrity voices in support of education
•          Information about trauma and social emotional learning
•          Personal anecdotes from the author
 
Essential components of a Cognitive Upgrade include Beliefs and Expectations, Motivation and Action, Competence and Problem-Solving, Competition and Innovation, and Persistence and Resilience. This book will immediately enhance potential and performance in students as they strive toward greater academic and personal success.
Look Inside on Kindle. Look Inside the paperback version.
Click here for a helpful reading guide.
"A Cognitive Upgrade is the art of transforming practices, mindsets, and pedagogical spaces in schools to ensure students' personal and academic success. ​" - Dr. Acacia Warren
The Adventures of Blu - Acacia's Animation Project
Synopsis: Blu is an unforgettable maritime story that introduces us to the enchanted world of talking ships on the high seas. The heart of the story is centered around a female cruise ship named Blu. This adventurous and magical tale includes ships that represent various cultures. The story is inclusive, fun, and heartwarming. Subscribe to my YouTube channel and look for the Spike the Sub series. More videos and songs coming soon!

"Blu is the art of imagination, innovation, and inclusion -
key elements of effective STEAM and PBL programs. ​" - Dr. Acacia Warren
​
Spike, a character from the story of Blu, makes his appearance during Blu's voyage to different countries. 
Spike is bullied by his peers under the sea, which causes him to bully other ships when he surfaces.  
Spike makes a friend (his new BFF) and they work together to stop other ships from being bullied.
Spike takes up an environmental cause with his friends to reduce the trash in the ocean.
Spike aids in the rescue of a fellow ship, Dred Scott, who has lost all hope. Spike helps to restore Dred Scott's faith. 
The Spike the Sub series concludes with flashbacks of Spike's adventures out at sea.