Educators Gather for Professional Development Summit in Eastern Oregon
Educators from 20 school districts in Eastern Oregon recently came together for a Professional Development Summit organized by the Oregon Trail Regional Educator Network. The summit, held on October 13th at Pendleton High School, saw a turnout of approximately 425 educators who attended 111 sessions led by 80 presenters.
The event took place on the Oregon Department of Education’s State In-Service Day, providing educators with a valuable opportunity to enhance their skills and knowledge. Sessions covered various topics including the science of reading, data-driven teaching, trauma-informed practices, and technology integration such as Promethean TVs, Google Classroom, and AI.
The presenters at the summit were educators from school districts in Pendleton, Milton-Freewater, Elgin, Pilot Rock, North Powder, Hermiston, Morrow County, La Grande, Cove, and Stanfield. Additionally, the InterMountain Education Service District had 15 presenters offering their expertise.
Dave Williams, IMESD School Improvement director, expressed his appreciation for the region’s educators and highlighted the significance of having them share their experiences and knowledge with their peers. Williams stated, We have amazing educators in our region and great things happening in our schools.
The summit also included sessions conducted by 24 community partner/agency presenters, including Eastern Oregon University, Oregon Data Suite, Outdoor School partnership with Oregon State University, and the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation. The collaboration and support of these organizations played a crucial role in the success of the event.
This year marked the ninth edition of the summit, which initially began as a small partnership between IMESD and the Pendleton School District. Over time, it has evolved to include nearly all districts in the region. Emphasizing the educator-led nature of the summit, Williams added, It is a continuation of using amazing regional resources – mainly teachers — to present and support other teachers in the region.
The keynote speaker for the event was Beth Houf, an international presenter, consultant, and co-author of the book Lead Like a Pirate: Make School Amazing for Your Students and Staff. During her presentation, she provided valuable insights on fostering a healthy school culture and climate to create inclusive and supportive educational environments.
The Professional Development Summit was free for educators to attend, and they had the opportunity to earn professional development units. The event not only showcased the dedication and commitment of Eastern Oregon’s educators but also provided a platform for them to enhance their skills, share experiences, and collaborate with their peers.
Overall, the summit proved to be a valuable gathering for educators in Eastern Oregon, equipping them with the necessary tools and knowledge to create positive educational experiences for their students and colleagues.
