Bradley hosts state educators conference

12/10/2014 10:50 AM

By Danielle Fitch ‘15

On November 7, 2014, approximately 120 teachers from across the state flocked to Bradley’s Westlake Hall to attend the Illinois Association for Teacher Educators (IATE) Conference. The conference of pre-service and in-service teachers, educators and the University’s Professional Development Schools Partnership highlighted best classroom practices, recent research and updates on teacher education initiatives.

Educators dialogued and presented papers on a range of topics, including Response to Intervention, how to create visual aides for scientific concepts and providing weekend snacks to children in low-income families.

“Hosting conferences like the IATE highlight what we, here at Bradley University, have to offer teachers, both pre-service and in-service,” said Dr. Patricia Nugent. “Also, it gives pre-service teachers, in-service teachers and teacher educators the opportunity to network and communicate about important education issues.”

Attendees were served breakfast and allowed to browse through various student poster and paper presentations concerning using literature to support students with disabilities, meeting the needs with sensory challenges, results from an international study as well as a local anti-bullying program and much, much more. There, attendees were also able to view webquests and integrated units that have the potential to be used in classrooms.

Bradley education majors were able to participate in a variety of events as well as research and plan progressive teaching techniques that would support positive experiences in the classroom. Offering teachers a forum to communicate about classroom experience promotes productive and cooperative teaching initiatives and allows students to benefit from the real-world experiences of professional educators.