The Western Illinois University (WIU) Office of Teacher Education will host the 2024 Rural Residency Summer Symposium virtually on Zoom from 8:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. Thursday, June 13, and Friday, June 14.
Professional development hours will be available through the WIU Office of Teacher Education.
“While the focus is on new teachers, we believe every educator will find something of value at our conference,” Kristen Barclay said. She’s from the Supervision Field Specialist Center for Preparation of Education Professionals
Illinois Teacher of the Year Briana Morales will be the opening keynote speaker at the summer symposium. She will discuss her academic trajectory. She’ll also address how her teachers’ love and compassion helped her turn the page during tough times of her life.
Other presenters and topics at the WIU Office of Teacher Education virtual event will include:
- The Illinois Elevating Special Educators (IESE) Network will present on these topics the following topics. Engagement across the subject and grade levels; Functional Behavior Assessment/Behavior Intervention Plan; Instructional strategies; Differentiation/Accommodations/Modifications; Working with paraprofessionals and more.
- The Illinois Education Association (IEA) will discuss its mentoring program.
- WIU field supervisors and some of its current practicing partners will discuss: Conscious discipline; parental communication; effective questioning techniques; and How to stay emotionally healthy in teaching.
The closing keynote speech will be by Gerry Brooks. This passionate public speaker focuses on encouraging and helping teachers improve their instructional abilities. For more information or to register, visit this link.
