Illinois State’s educator preparation program is hosting the 6th annual Teaching in the 21st Century Conference (T21Con) on Friday, September 18, from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. in the Bone Student Center. T21Con is free and open to all practicing educators as well as Illinois State’s education students.

Attendees must register by Thursday, September 17, at T21Con.IllinoisState.edu. Professional development hours will be offered to practicing educators.

Background

Each year, technology becomes a larger part of the way students learn about and engage with the world around them. Learners of all ages are independently accessing the software and devices that will best help them complete each assignment. T21Con provides current and future educators with the strategies and confidence to creatively and effectively integrate technologies into their classrooms.

T21Con will feature 18 session presentations by P–12 educators from across the Midwest, including several ISU alumni, who are leading their schools and districts in the use of classroom technologies.

The conference’s organizers surveyed thousands of students and alumni to determine the topics most beneficial to them. From assistive technology in special education to flipped learning, attendees can choose from a wide range of session options presented by experts across P–12 education.

Keynote

Kansas-based author, teacher, and educational technology expert Kevin Honeycutt will kick off T21Con at 9 a.m. His keynote presentation titled “Launch Me” will inspire educators to not only cultivate and market their own talents, but teach their students to do the same. Honeycutt currently works for ESSDACK, an educational service center based in Hutchinson, Kansas, and is the author of Don’t Stay Under The Couch: Starbuck and the Bully. Follow him on Twitter at @KevinHoneycutt.

Sponsors and supporters

T21Con is jointly organized by the College of Education and the Student Education Association (SEA). It is funded by Robert and Mary F. English, two retired educators and Illinois State alumni who believe in the learning potential unlocked when when educators thoughtfully and creatively integrate technology into their classrooms.

Details

What: The 6th annual Teaching in the 21st Century Conference (T21Con)
When: Friday, September 18, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Where: Bone Student Center, Illinois State University
Who: Illinois State University alumni educators and current students
How: Register for free at T21Con.IllinoisState.edu