Future Teacher Conference

Arrive on campus, check in, and receive your materials for the day. Optional campus tours available.

Join us as we kick off the 2024 conference with a performance from Gamma Phi Circus and engaging opening remarks from Ricky King, the 2023 Illinois Bilingual Teacher of the Year.

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

"Leading with Intention: Six Keys to Crafting Your Teaching Legacy"

April Schermann, National Board-Certified teacher of Math, Physics, and Computer Science

Join April for an inspiring and practical presentation where she will share her 23-year journey as a high school teacher and explore the Six Keys to Leading with Intention. This session will provide you with the tools and motivation to make each day count, focus on impactful actions, prioritize principles over preferences, develop productive habits, bring positive energy to your classroom, and understand the power of synergy. Through personal stories, practical advice, and interactive elements, you'll leave with a clear vision of how to become an intentional and impactful teacher.

Table Fair

The table fair will include information from all education programs, student organizations, and more.

Admissions and Financial Aid: How Do I Get in? And How Do I Pay for it? - ISU Admissions and Financial Aid - Schroeder 204

Session will cover ISU admission and financial aid process, including grants for future teachers.

Cautionary Tales of the 21st Century Classroom - Schroeder 242

What if I told you that every year you’re going to make mistakes? What if I also told you it’s the best part of the job? However, some mistakes we don’t have to go through to learn from them. We will explore teacher choices that seemed harmless before their viral fame caused serious harm, while also exploring strategies and lessons all future educators should take from those mistakes — including my own. Let’s learn together!  

Coaching and Extracurricular Opportunities - State Farm Hall of Business 145

A panel of teachers will share their experiences and tips for future teachers interested in adding responsibilities to their role.  

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 201

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.  

Empowering Educators to Lead WITH Restorative Practices - Schroeder 235

This presentation explores the crucial role of teacher leaders in implementing restorative practices in schools. It covers the key principals of restorative practices, strategies for integration into teacher leadership roles, collaboration , real-li fe applications, challenges and solutions, and ways to empower future teacher leaders in promoting a culture of compassion and accountability.  

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.

Golden Apple Information Session - Schroeder 216

The Golden Apple Scholars Program is a teacher preparation and tuition assistance for students who have the determination and drive to be highly effective teachers in Illinois schools-of-need. We prepare aspiring teachers for immediate and lasting success in the most challenging teaching environments.

Hidden Curriculum of College - DeGarmo 208

Do you wonder what is different about college? Do you want tips that will help you succeed on day one? Learn about the hidden curriculum you will navigate in college.

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 Bilingual Education - Schroeder 106

As we continue teaching and learning in the 21st century, our classrooms are continuing to become more and more linguistically diverse. In this session, students will learn about English Language Learners, bilingual education, and how teachers of all subjects can support their culturally and linguistically diverse students in and out of the classroom.

One Small Step for AI, One Giant Leap for Educators - State Farm Hall of Business 150

Join us for a journey through AI past and present, highlighting its evolution and current advancements in Generative AI. Along the way, learn to leverage AI in your educational approach, both for teaching and learning!  

Prepare Now to Land your Dream Teaching Job Later - Schroeder 108

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.  

Sign Language and Braille in the Classroom - DeGarmo 209

This session will focus on how educators can utilize American Sign Language (ASL) and Braille to communicate and teach students who are deaf or blind. Participants will engage in activities using ASL and Braille and learn more about teachers who work with these students.  

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 20

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.

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! Y ou will explore different assistive technology such as switches and switch-adapted toys and devices, text-to-speech, voice-output communication devices, and more.  

Swiftly Connecting: Building Teacher Student & Family Bonds (Taylor’s Version) - DeGarmo 206

Join me for an inspiring presentation where we'll explore grab-and-go strategies that foster connections with students and their families, Taylor Swift style. Together, we’ll embark on a "love story" to create lasting bonds in your classroom. "Are you ready" to “shake off” the old and embrace the magic that empowers you, your students, and their families to thrive?  

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 Lowdown on Being a Principal - Schroeder 246

What’s it really like to be a school principal? The role has changed from manager/disciplinarian to supporter/collaborator/leader and gamechanger!  

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 Right Path is Ed Path! - Schroeder 215

Ed Pathways is a great way to start your journey through education.  Come join current students to hear and learn all about the Ed Pathways programs and resources .

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.  

Transfe r 101 - DeGarmo 31

Are you considering starting at community college? The process is easy, and we’re here to help. Learn the basics about transferring including resources, guaranteed admission programs and transfer scholarships .    

Wait, What? I Didn't Know That Was a Part of Teaching Too! - State Farm Hall of Business 148

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.

Admissions and Financial Aid: How Do I Get in? And How Do I Pay for it? - ISU Admissions and Financial Aid - Schroeder 204

Session will cover ISU admission and financial aid process, including grants for future teachers.

Cautionary Tales of the 21st Century Classroom - State Farm of Hall of Business 242

What if I told you that every year you’re going to make mistakes? What if I also told you it’s the best part of the job? However, some mistakes we don’t have to go through to learn from them. We will explore teacher choices that seemed harmless before their viral fame caused serious harm, while also exploring strategies and lessons all future educators should take from those mistakes — including my own. Let’s learn together!  

Coaching and Extracurricular Opportunities - State Farm Hall of Business 145

A panel of teachers will share their experiences and tips for future teachers interested in adding responsibilities to their role.  

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 201

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.  

Empowering Educators to Lead WITH Restorative Practices - State Farm Hall of Business 235

This presentation explores the crucial role of teacher leaders in implementing restorative practices in schools. It covers the key principals of restorative practices, strategies for integration into teacher leadership roles, collaboration , real-li fe applications, challenges and solutions, and ways to empower future teacher leaders in promoting a culture of compassion and accountability.  

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 - Schroeder 106

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.

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.

Golden Apple Information Session - Schroeder 216

The Golden Apple Scholars Program is a teacher preparation and tuition assistance for students who have the determination and drive to be highly effective teachers in Illinois schools-of-need. We prepare aspiring teachers for immediate and lasting success in the most challenging teaching environments.

Hidden Curriculum of College - DeGarmo 208

Do you wonder what is different about college? Do you want tips that will help you succeed on day one? Learn about the hidden curriculum you will navigate in college.

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 Bilingual Education - Schroeder 106

As we continue teaching and learning in the 21st century, our classrooms are continuing to become more and more linguistically diverse. In this session, students will learn about English Language Learners, bilingual education, and how teachers of all subjects can support their culturally and linguistically diverse students in and out of the classroom.

One Small Step for AI, One Giant Leap for Educators - State Farm Hall of Business 150

Join us for a journey through AI past and present, highlighting its evolution and current advancements in Generative AI. Along the way, learn to leverage AI in your educational approach, both for teaching and learning!  

Prepare Now to Land your Dream Teaching Job Later - Schroeder 108

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.  

Sign Language and Braille in the Classroom - DeGarmo 209

This session will focus on how educators can utilize American Sign Language (ASL) and Braille to communicate and teach students who are deaf or blind. Participants will engage in activities using ASL and Braille and learn more about teachers who work with these students.  

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 20

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.

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! Y ou will explore different assistive technology such as switches and switch-adapted toys and devices, text-to-speech, voice-output communication devices, and more.  

Swiftly Connecting: Building Teacher Student & Family Bonds (Taylor’s Version) - DeGarmo 206

Join me for an inspiring presentation where we'll explore grab-and-go strategies that foster connections with students and their families, Taylor Swift style. Together, we’ll embark on a "love story" to create lasting bonds in your classroom. "Are you ready" to “shake off” the old and embrace the magic that empowers you, your students, and their families to thrive?  

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 Lowdown on Being a Principal - Schroeder 246

What’s it really like to be a school principal? The role has changed from manager/disciplinarian to supporter/collaborator/leader and gamechanger!  

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 Right Path is Ed Path! - Schroeder 215

Ed Pathways is a great way to start your journey through education.  Come join current students to hear and learn all about the Ed Pathways programs and resources .

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.  

Transfe r 101 - DeGarmo 31

Are you considering starting at community college? The process is easy, and we’re here to help. Learn the basics about transferring including resources, guaranteed admission programs and transfer scholarships .    

Wait, What? I Didn't Know That Was a Part of Teaching Too! - State Farm Hall of Business 148

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 30 minute campus tour. The chaperone must sign up for this option on the registration form.