Transformed Educators Conference

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Tuesday, September 26, 2017
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Stephanie Hill, Director of University Relations & Communications
Office: 918.495.7337, Mobile: 918.720.5548
sthill@oru.edu

What: Transformed Educators Conference
When: Friday and Saturday September 29 & 30, 2017 8am-4pm
Where: CityPlex and ORU’s Global Learning Center

Tulsa, OK – Oklahoma is in the midst of an education crisis, with tight school budgets, teacher shortages and a lack of support from state lawmakers. Oral Roberts University’s College of Education has found one way it can help: the Transformed Educators Literacy and LD Conference. The 2nd annual conference will be held September 29 and 30, 2017. The Friday event will be held on the 6th floor of CityPlex. Saturday’s events will be in ORU’s Global Learning Center, utilizing its augmented and virtual reality learning experiences.

Friday, September 29, is dedicated to training teachers of English language learners. It is new this year and will provide 16 breakout sessions focused on current and relevant EL instructional practices. The concluding session will provide an opportunity for a panel of EL experts to respond to audience questions.

Saturday, September 30 includes 36 breakout sessions presented by successful classroom teachers who will provide practical, proven teaching methods. The three keynote speakers are Ashley (Kirby) Mackenzie, library media specialist at Ochoa Elementary School; Dr. Bill Ranahan who has experience in biochemistry and molecular biology; and Dr. Tim Woods, an experienced motivational speaker for educational and corporate audiences. The luncheon keynote address, “Wiring the Brain for Learning,” will include a visual tour through the human brain. Teachers will also interact through virtual reality in an Avatar classroom.

“The Avatar classroom has provided a remarkable experience for ORU students,” said Dr. Kim Boyd, Dean of the College of Education. “We want to make that same experience available to all Oklahoma teachers as we train them to excel in the classroom even as the state struggles to support its educators.”

ORU also made the conference affordable by charging only $35 for each day, $15 for college students, and high school students interested in becoming a teacher can attend free. It is only $50 for both days. It is a great way to incentivize teachers in a state desperate for talented educators. The conference also provides seven Professional Development Points (PDPs) for each day a teacher attends.

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