IU 13 Education Conference Will Offer Variety Of Topics
"We had 500 attendees last year and are hoping that number is higher this year," said program support liaison Linda Swisher, speaking about the 26th annual Lancaster-Lebanon IU 13 Education Conference scheduled for Tuesday, June 18, at Lampeter-Strasburg High School, 1600 Book Road, Lancaster.
In order for the conference to serve a broad range of people, an equally wide-ranging list of topics will be addressed in morning and afternoon breakout sessions. A sampling of subjects includes drug and alcohol prevention and current drug trends; anger management for adolescents; mindfulness; eating disorders, specifically anorexia; how to help bereaved students; special education law; diversity; helping students with anxiety; planning for retirement; and effectively managing language barriers. There will also be classes on literacy, behavior, math, autism, technology, and preschool/Early Intervention.
"Two sessions that we are very excited about this year are the sessions on Phenomenal Science Instruction and Stopping the Bleed," Swisher remarked. "The Science Instruction session is the first time we have offered a STEM-related topic, and the Stop the Bleed session is a national program that instructs participants on how to control bleeding in an emergency situation."
All of the sessions are designed to improve the lives of students of all ages and abilities by effectively resourcing educators, professionals, parents, and others who have an interest in education. The theme of the conference is "Together ... We Can Do So Much." Swisher noted that the title is part of a quotation from Helen Keller, who said, "Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much."
"When we work together for a common purpose, we can achieve things beyond our greatest imagination. This is especially true in education where we share the common goal of making a positive difference in the lives of students and their families," said Kathy Rose, early childhood and special education services program director for IU 13. "This year's conference focuses on collaborating and working as a team to educate all students through innovative approaches to teaching. IU 13 welcomes everyone who believes that each and every day 'together we can do so much.'"
The keynote speaker for the conference will be Jeremy Anderson, who has become an author, businessman, and motivational speaker after recovering from drug and alcohol abuse. Anderson struggled to succeed in school, but he now holds bachelor's and master's degrees. During his address, "Diamond in the Rough," Anderson will reveal how challenges can be used to develop endurance and previously concealed abilities within educators and students. He will also focus on establishing an environment in which student rapport and academic success can be cultivated, using his story to tie in strategies to engage at-risk students. During the morning breakout sessions, Anderson will lead a discussion on building allies in the classroom in order to help troubled students recognize their full potential.
The conference will run from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Registration will open at 7:45 a.m., and a continental breakfast will be available. Attendees may visit sponsors' tables and enter to win prizes from local businesses. Lunch will be provided and, along with breakfast, is included in the cost of attendance. Act 48 hours will be awarded for the conference.
In order to ensure that the conference is accessible to anyone with interest, a special rate has been set for parents, substitute teachers, and university students, and an early bird discount will be offered to school district and agency personnel who register before Wednesday, May 1. Registrations and payment must be received by Friday, June 7.
Folks may register by visiting http://www.iu13.org. For more information, readers may contact Swisher at 717-606-1878 or linda_swisher@iu13.org.
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