The College of Education is inviting alumni who have completed their first or second year of teaching back to campus to attend the inaugural New Teacher Conference on Friday, June 20. The free event is part of the college’s ongoing efforts to increase support for alumni as they begin their careers in education.
“The college created this event to reconnect new teachers with the University on a personal level and to provide practical ideas that will help them as they advance in the profession,” said Kelli Appel, a conference organizer and assistant to the chair in the Department of Special Education.
About the conference
The New Teacher Conference will feature keynote speaker Esme Raji Codell, author of the well-received book Educating Esme: Diary of a Teacher’s First Year. Speaking from her personal experience, Codell’s authentic writing chronicles the challenges she faced as a new teacher in Chicago Public Schools.
The conference’s session topics were selected based on input from beginning teachers. They include
- Classroom management
- Time management
- Providing effective feedback to students
- Finding one’s voice as a teacher and a school leader
These sessions will be presented by practicing educators from school districts across Illinois. Later in the day, they will also host interactive round-table discussions that will give attendees a chance to problem-solve around the themes of the morning sessions. Round-table discussions will also allow educators to gather information about national board certification, graduate school, licensure, and more.
Panel discussions over lunch will reconnect attendees with their former professors and advisors across early childhood, elementary, middle level, and special education. Afterwards, attendees may participate in a unique literacy-focused experience with Codell, or attend a Common Core State Standards session focused on either English language arts or math.
“Teachers will have an opportunity to establish professional relationships with Illinois State alumni and colleagues that are facing the same challenges as they are,” Appel said. “They will leave with specific information that they can use immediately, and a new level of support from the University community.”
Event details
When: 8 a.m.–4 p.m., Friday, June 20, 2014
Where: State Farm Hall of Business, Illinois State University
Registration: Registration is free and open to College of Education alumni who have completed their first or second year of teaching.
