Illinois State is proud to call more than one in seven teachers in Illinois our education alumni. The College of Education strives to provide these graduates with as many opportunities as possible to reconnect with the University and advance in their profession. The following five events are free and open to all education alumni during the fall of 2015.

The Staying the Course: Resiliency in Urban Schools education conference will take place on Saturday and Sunday, September 12 and 13 at Hotel Chicago. It is a professional development opportunity focusing on what teachers must know and do to excel in urban, hard-to-staff schools. Public school teachers, university faculty, and community-based organizers will share their experience and research on how teachers can continue to stay the course in the Chicago schools and communities where they teach, learn, live, and lead. Registration is free and includes a free lunch on the Saturday conference day. Interested attendees may earn Professional Development Hours (formerly known as CPDUs).

Education majors check out the Studio Teach 3D printer at T21CON.

Education majors check out the Studio Teach 3-D printer at #T21Con

The Teaching in the 21st Century Conference (#T21Con) will take place on Friday, September 18 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. in the Bone Student Center. The one-day conference features educational technology experts working in P-12 schools from across the Midwest, and will be keynoted by Kevin Honeycutt. It was created to provide aspiring and practicing educators with an edge in using technology in the classroom. Registration is free and interested attendees may earn Professional Development Hours (formerly known as CPDUs).

The Education Showcase will take place on Saturday, October 3 in the Bone Student Center.

The Education Showcase will feature representatives from the University’s graduate level education programs.

The Education Showcase will take place on Saturday, October 3, from 8:30 – 10 a.m. in the Circus Room and Old Main of the Bone Student Center. The Illinois State Family Weekend event offers students and alumni with a chance to chat with faculty from across the college about graduate programs, study abroad opportunities, teacher education, and licensure. No RSVP is required, and free refreshments will be available.

College of Education alumni, faculty, staff, and students #BackTheBirds at the College of Education's circus themed tailgate tent.

College of Education alumni, faculty, staff, and students #BackTheBirds at the College of Education’s circus themed tailgate tent.

Help the College of Education #BackTheBirds against the Western Illinois Fighting Leathernecks at the Homecoming Tailgate Tent on Saturday, October 24 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. in the Redbird Tent Zone (University High School Practice Fields). Enjoy some free grub, giveaways, and reconnect with fellow alumni and education faculty and staff. Here’s a fun fact about the reigning Missouri Valley Conference champion Redbird Football team: Since Hancock Stadium was renovated two years ago, the Redbirds have yet to lose at home!

Pedro Noguera will present to the campus on Tuesday, November 17 during American Education Week.

Pedro Noguera will present to the campus on Monday, November 16.

See American Education Week speaker Pedro Noguera on Monday, November 16 from 7 – 8:30 p.m. in Braden Auditorium. He is an acclaimed presenter who inspires educators to continue the fight for equity in U.S. schools. Noguera is an author, sociologist at UCLA. He is also the executive director of the Metropolitan Center for Research on Equity and the Transformation of Schools. No RSVP is required.