Registration for the 2024 conference will open in mid-August. Please contact Kelli Appel at ksappel@ilstu.edu with any questions.
A conference for high school students who are considering a career in education. This conference informs and inspires students about the process of becoming a teacher, and what to expect after graduation as they enter the classroom. Since its inaugural year in 2019, this conference has served nearly 2500 students.
Rooms in Bone Student Center: Braden, Brown, Circus, Old Main, Founder, Dobski, Spotlight, 3rd Flr Atrium
Academic Buildings: SCH - Schroeder Hall, DEG - DeGarmo Hall, SFHB - State Farm Hall of Business
Sign up for optional professional development sessions here!
Arrive on campus, check in, and receive your materials for the day. Optional campus tours available.
Join us as we kick off the 2023 conference with a performance from Gamma Phi Circus and engaging opening remarks from Peter and Kristin Richey. Peter teaches 5th grade and Kristin is a Literacy Specialist; both are Outstanding Young Alumni award winners.
Deeper Dive into Teaching. Registrants will select a session for the teaching area they want to learn more about.
Lunch
Lunch will be held in the Brown Ballroom. A boxed lunch will be provided.
Lunch Keynote: Are you ready to make the change from student to teacher?
Daniel Jackson, Chicago Public Schools Teacher and Illinois State University Alumni Association Board of Directors
Join Daniel to learn about creating a healthy and professional student to teacher relationship, balancing work and personal life, and building meaningful relationships with the school community.
Table Fair
The table fair will include information from all education programs, student organizations, and more. Students will have a chance to win exciting prizes, including an iPad.
Admissions and Financial Aid: How Do I Get in? And How Do I Pay for it? - ISU Admissions and Financial Aid -
Schroeder 211
Session will cover ISU admission and financial aid process, including grants for future teachers.
Applied Restorative Practices - Schroeder 106
Building and strengthening relationships and community is a critical component of school culture. Restorative practices is an essential process for creating a positive learning environment, building social capital, and resolving relational issues. During this brief introductory experience, you will learn the fundamental theory and practices for engaging with students, staff, and parents in your school setting. Topics include the importance of being explicit about practice, how to set high expectations while being supportive, and ways to build community in your setting. We will discuss giving direct feedback and asking questions that foster accountability, as well as utilizing effective methods to resolve common conflicts.
Be a STEM Superhero - DeGarmo 209
Become a STEM superhero as you learn how to incorporate science, technology, engineering, and mathematics into your teaching. We will look at how Next Generation Science Standards and Practices lay the foundation for guiding students through STEM challenges. Learn ways to engage elementary learners in engineering experiences and fostering problem-solving.
Brain-Based Social Emotional Learning: Teaching and Learning with the Whole Child in Mind - DeGarmo 020
Every student comes to school with a different experience of the world. In this session, we will explore Social Emotional Learning through a brain-based lens to make sense of the ways we can create supportive environments for all students.
Changing the World with Service Learning - State Farm Hall of Business 150
Do you want to know how to change the world? By engaging in service learning, you are doing nothing less than changing the world for the better. This session will share what service-learning is and how to carry out a service project that lets you explore and begin to solve real-life problems, acquire deeper knowledge, new skills, newfound motivation, receptibility, and joy on and off the college campus. Come to this section to learn to seize the day and make your life extraordinary!.
Cultivating Your Teacher Identity - State Farm Hall of Business 147
You are never too young to walk in your calling as a teacher. This session will inspire you to continue to cultivate your teacher identity through interactive reflection on the experiences that draws you to teach.
Diversity Matters Panel -
Schroeder 212
Diversity and Inclusion are core values at Illinois State University. Join students and faculty mentors for a panel discussion about how diversity is celebrated. Participants will learn about student organizations and other community groups related to diversity, advocacy, and service.
Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about Student Teaching - State Farm Hall of Business 366
Join student teachers and university student teaching supervisors for a panel discussion on what to expect during the student teaching experience. They will discuss the joys, excitement, challenges, and opportunities for growth provided by this capstone to the teacher education program.
Exploring Bilingual Education-Changing the World in Many Languages - State Farm Hall of Business 132
In this session, students interested in exploring bilingual education will be able to hear why to consider pursuing this area, requirements, and how to decide if it is a path for them. Students will also be able to hear from ISU students who are currently in the program and have a chance to ask questions about the bilingual education.
Firefighters, Exiles, and Protectors: Exploring Your Many Parts from the Inside Out - Schroeder 108
Do you ever feel like you’re stuck in your head having conversations with yourself? Do these voices disagree; agree; sometimes get along, and sometimes not? Do they sometimes tell you to do different things, or make you feel a whole bunch of conflicting feelings and emotions? It can be confusing to be one person living with what can some days literally feel like different versions of yourself competing for your attention. Dr. Richard Schwartz developed the concept of Internal Family Systems to help us understand that all of these parts of ourselves deserve our attention and are there to help us out. In this workshop, you will learn about the three basic categories of the self: firefighters, exiles, and protectors. And, you will begin to explore your own parts. This is not meant to be a therapeutic session. This session is intended to give you a better idea of what these internal voices and feelings are all about, and from there you can spend time using the same methods we practice in the workshop to continue exploring the many parts of you.
From Chicago Public Schools to ISU - Schroeder 214
Calling all Chicago Public School (CPS) students! Hear about ISU’s longstanding partnership with CPS and opportunities for scholarships, student teaching in CPS, and our new partnership with Teach Chicago Tomorrow.
How (and Why) to be a Redbird - State Farm Hall of Business 131
Learn why students love Illinois State, how we prepare them for success, and how we help make it affordable.
International Teaching - State Farm Hall of Business 133
Do you enjoy travel, exploring the world, and learning new things? There are a lot of opportunities to internationalize your education while becoming a teacher at Illinois State University. This session will introduce you to some of the ways students are doing study abroad experiences during their teacher education sequence.
Introduction to Civic Engagement - State Farm Hall of Business 145
What is civic engagement? Learn about this strategy for change and how teachers can integrate civic engagement.
On the Right Path to Becoming an Educator - Schroeder 246
Have you always dreamed of becoming a teacher or is this a career you are just starting to explore? No matter where you land along the road to setting your future career goals, this session will assist in answering your questions and eliminating doubts about whether education is the right path for you. We will examine how the strengths you already possess align with a career as an educator, as well as steps you can take to build the skills and experience needed to be an effective teacher.
Prepare Now to Land your Dream Teaching Job Later - DeGarmo 306
Future teachers will learn tips and tricks to take advantage of targeted opportunities during college. The goal is to prepare strong applicants for future openings.
Supporting Inclusive Education Environments Using Technology - DeGarmo 305
Students with and without disabilities have a right to general education environments, classrooms, and content. Some disabled students may need support to read, write, communicate, or explore their environments. Assistive Technology can help with this! Assistive technology is any tool or device, whether commercially purchased or customly designed, that supports students’ access to the general curriculum. In this session, you will explore different assistive technology such as switches and switch-adapted toys and devices, text-to-speech, voice-output communication devices, and more.
Student Panel - Schroeder 114
Are you interested in hearing from the current Illinois State University education majors? Come have a dialogue with a panel of students to learn about their experiences on campus. The panel will be comprised of a variety of majors and there will be plenty of time to ask questions and learn about ways to get involved as an education major.
Student, Family, and Community Engagement - DeGarmo 208
Building affirming relationships is at the foundation of everything we do as educators. Join Dr. Lindsey Jensen, 2018 Illinois Teacher of the Year and Executive Director of Educators Rising Illinois, as she shares strategies for building equitable relationships with students, families, and the communities in which we teach.
Teaching is NOT for the Birds: Combating Twitter Hot Takes & Taking Back the Narrative - Schroeder 242
This session will examine viral Tweets that seek to undermine and dismantle public education, while providing actionable steps that practitioners and future teachers can do to address issues our students and educators are actually facing. You will leave this session (a) knowing how to "do your own research" while protecting your peace on #EduTwitter, (b) with a guide on how to find and contact your legislator, (c) and practice the art of storytelling to win over the hearts and minds of people not only in our corner, but people also working tirelessly to misrepresent public education.
Tech Playground - DeGarmo 307 (Studio Teach)
It's Time for Play! Come to Studio Teach and explore an array of low- and high-tech tools that can be integrated into instruction to increase engagement in learning. Tech stations with instructions are provided, bring your curiosity and willingness to learn.
The Possibilities and Challenges of Politics in the Classroom: (Yes, There are Possibilities) - State Farm Hall of Business 149
Controversies abound in teaching but so do important possibilities. This session acknowledges the politically-based challenges faced by teachers and embraces the newfound interest in what gets taught as an opportunity to improve civic dialogue.
The Power in Positive - Schroeder 204
Come to this presentation as we focus on The 5 P’s: Positivity, PLN, Persistence, Passion, and Pants! Filled with humor, this session will leave you with practical advice as you begin to start your path into education.
The Roles of a High School Teacher - State Farm Hall of Business 135
Learn about the many roles inside and outside of the classroom that are available for high school teachers.
Tips to Become a Millionaire, Even If It Seems Impossible - DeGarmo 031
Financial literacy is essential to financial security and it’s important to learn skills early in life in order to avoid common financial pitfalls. In this session, you will learn the critical components of financial literacy as well as various tips to begin making smarter financial decisions. Topics include managing your budget (yes, even as a student), the use of credit cards and loans, and the basics of saving.
Transitioning to College: Tips to Prepare While You're in High School
In this session, participants will have the opportunity to hear from current ISU future teachers and learn some tips on how to prepare to transition from high school to college. It is never too early to start working on college applications, looking for scholarships, and other useful information to make your transition to college as smooth and easy as possible.. Join a panel of four Redbird Education Scholars Program peer mentor students, who will share tips and knowledge. Make sure you bring any questions you may have!
Wait, What? I Didn't Know That Was a Part of Teaching Too! - DeGarmo 551
This session will address our roles as educators in disrupting various forms of oppression that includes all the “isms” that exist in society and within institutions like school systems.
During this session, students will analyze the role of critical consciousness and deficit thinking in teaching and learning; understand how a lack of critical consciousness can lead to the continuation of all forms of oppression, and explore ways to take initial steps to begin recognizing and addressing inequities in school systems.
Where Does My Job End and I Begin? - State Farm Hall of Business 148
This session will discuss creating a healthy balance between personal and professional life.
Admissions and Financial Aid: How Do I Get in? And How Do I Pay for it? - ISU Admissions and Financial Aid -
Schroeder 211
Session will cover ISU admission and financial aid process, including grants for future teachers.
Applied Restorative Practices - Schroeder 106
Building and strengthening relationships and community is a critical component of school culture. Restorative practices is an essential process for creating a positive learning environment, building social capital, and resolving relational issues. During this brief introductory experience, you will learn the fundamental theory and practices for engaging with students, staff, and parents in your school setting. Topics include the importance of being explicit about practice, how to set high expectations while being supportive, and ways to build community in your setting. We will discuss giving direct feedback and asking questions that foster accountability, as well as utilizing effective methods to resolve common conflicts.
Be a STEM Superhero - DeGarmo 209
Become a STEM superhero as you learn how to incorporate science, technology, engineering, and mathematics into your teaching. We will look at how Next Generation Science Standards and Practices lay the foundation for guiding students through STEM challenges. Learn ways to engage elementary learners in engineering experiences and fostering problem-solving.
Brain-Based Social Emotional Learning: Teaching and Learning with the Whole Child in Mind - DeGarmo 020
Every student comes to school with a different experience of the world. In this session, we will explore Social Emotional Learning through a brain-based lens to make sense of the ways we can create supportive environments for all students.
Changing the World with Service Learning -
State Farm Hall of Business 150
Do you want to know how to change the world? By engaging in service learning, you are doing nothing less than changing the world for the better. This session will share what service-learning is and how to carry out a service project that lets you explore and begin to solve real-life problems, acquire deeper knowledge, new skills, newfound motivation, receptibility, and joy on and off the college campus. Come to this section to learn to seize the day and make your life extraordinary!.
Cultivating Your Teacher Identity -
State Farm Hall of Business 147
You are never too young to walk in your calling as a teacher. This session will inspire you to continue to cultivate your teacher identity through interactive reflection on the experiences that draws you to teach.
Diversity Matters Panel -
Schroeder 212
Diversity and Inclusion are core values at Illinois State University. Join students and faculty mentors for a panel discussion about how diversity is celebrated. Participants will learn about student organizations and other community groups related to diversity, advocacy, and service.
Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about Student Teaching - State Farm Hall of Business 366
Join student teachers and university student teaching supervisors for a panel discussion on what to expect during the student teaching experience. They will discuss the joys, excitement, challenges, and opportunities for growth provided by this capstone to the teacher education program.
From Chicago Public Schools to ISU - Schroeder 214
Calling all Chicago Public School (CPS) students! Hear about ISU’s longstanding partnership with CPS and opportunities for scholarships, student teaching in CPS, and our new partnership with Teach Chicago Tomorrow for opportunities to take all your courses without leaving the city.
How (and Why) to be a Redbird - State Farm Hall of Business 131
Learn why students love Illinois State, how we prepare them for success, and how we help make it affordable.
How Passion Can Connect Schools to the Community - Schroeder 204
Beyond normal school lesons, there are ways to take your passion to help create community relationships. This session will focus on how teachers and students came together to connect schools and Veterans.
International Teaching - State Farm Hall of Business 133
Do you enjoy travel, exploring the world, and learning new things? There are a lot of opportunities to internationalize your education while becoming a teacher at Illinois State University. This session will introduce you to some of the ways students are doing study abroad experiences during their teacher education sequence.
Introduction to Civic Engagement - State Farm Hall of Business 145
What is civic engagement? Learn about this strategy for change and how teachers can integrate civic engagement.
On the Right Path to Becoming an Educator - Schroeder 246
Have you always dreamed of becoming a teacher or is this a career you are just starting to explore? No matter where you land along the road to setting your future career goals, this session will assist in answering your questions and eliminating doubts about whether education is the right path for you. We will examine how the strengths you already possess align with a career as an educator, as well as steps you can take to build the skills and experience needed to be an effective teacher.
Prepare Now to Land your Dream Teaching Job Later - DeGarmo 306
Future teachers will learn tips and tricks to take advantage of targeted opportunities during college. The goal is to prepare strong applicants for future openings.
Supporting Inclusive Education Environments Using Technology - DeGarmo 305
Students with and without disabilities have a right to general education environments, classrooms, and content. Some disabled students may need support to read, write, communicate, or explore their environments. Assistive Technology can help with this! Assistive technology is any tool or device, whether commercially purchased or customly designed, that supports students’ access to the general curriculum. In this session, you will explore different assistive technology such as switches and switch-adapted toys and devices, text-to-speech, voice-output communication devices, and more.
Student Panel - Schroeder 114
Are you interested in hearing from the current Illinois State University education majors? Come have a dialogue with a panel of students to learn about their experiences on campus. The panel will be comprised of a variety of majors and there will be plenty of time to ask questions and learn about ways to get involved as an education major.
Student, Family, and Community Engagement - DeGarmo 208
Building affirming relationships is at the foundation of everything we do as educators. Join Dr. Lindsey Jensen, 2018 Illinois Teacher of the Year and Executive Director of Educators Rising Illinois, as she shares strategies for building equitable relationships with students, families, and the communities in which we teach.
Teaching is NOT for the Birds: Combating Twitter Hot Takes & Taking Back the Narrative - Schroeder 242
This session will examine viral Tweets that seek to undermine and dismantle public education, while providing actionable steps that practitioners and future teachers can do to address issues our students and educators are actually facing. You will leave this session (a) knowing how to "do your own research" while protecting your peace on #EduTwitter, (b) with a guide on how to find and contact your legislator, (c) and practice the art of storytelling to win over the hearts and minds of people not only in our corner, but people also working tirelessly to misrepresent public education.
Tech Playground - DeGarmo 307 (Studio Teach)
It's Time for Play! Come to Studio Teach and explore an array of low- and high-tech tools that can be integrated into instruction to increase engagement in learning. Tech stations with instructions are provided, bring your curiosity and willingness to learn.
The Possibilities and Challenges of Politics in the Classroom: (Yes, There are Possibilities) - State Farm Hall of Business 149
Controversies abound in teaching but so do important possibilities. This session acknowledges the politically-based challenges faced by teachers and embraces the newfound interest in what gets taught as an opportunity to improve civic dialogue.
The Roles of a High School Teacher - State Farm Hall of Business 135
Learn about the many roles inside and outside of the classroom that are available for high school teachers.
Tips to Become a Millionaire, Even If It Seems Impossible - DeGarmo 031
Financial literacy is essential to financial security and it’s important to learn skills early in life in order to avoid common financial pitfalls. In this session, you will learn the critical components of financial literacy as well as various tips to begin making smarter financial decisions. Topics include managing your budget (yes, even as a student), the use of credit cards and loans, and the basics of saving.
Wait, What? I Didn't Know That Was a Part of Teaching Too! - DeGarmo 551
This session will address our roles as educators in disrupting various forms of oppression that includes all the “isms” that exist in society and within institutions like school systems.
During this session, students will analyze the role of critical consciousness and deficit thinking in teaching and learning; understand how a lack of critical consciousness can lead to the continuation of all forms of oppression, and explore ways to take initial steps to begin recognizing and addressing inequities in school systems.
Student ambassadors will lead a 60 minute campus tour. The chaperone must sign up for this option on the registration form.