MIDWEST CITY, Okla. (KOKH) — Educators from the Sooner State gathered in Midwest City on Monday, July 10 for a teacher conference.
At the Reed Convention Center, there were vendors and separate rooms. There, teachers learned things like how to manage a classroom.
Educators tell Fox 25 these things are very important to learn as the workforce shortage continues.
“Teachers never get a break during the summer,” said Okmulgee Public Schools teacher Amy Johnson. “We're constantly learning and trying to improve ourselves. We're seeing what we need to do for next year.”
The Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) offered a free, one-day conference called Inspire OK 2023. Educators participated in breakout sessions, one of which addressed leadership skills.
“I learned some things to be able to step up in the classroom,” Johnson said. “Not only with the students, but also with my colleagues because we all work together.”
The vendors pitched their opportunities to educators, some of whom are from districts struggling to fill positions.
“In my district we have two science teachers,” Johnson said. “I'm a science teacher and it's extremely difficult. Extremely difficult. We can't provide our students with some of the classes and courses that they need.”
Some participants say hiring more staff would allow them to bring more of what they learned today into the classroom.
“You could be more flexible with your time,” said Oklahoma Public Schools teacher Kandis Griffin. “You could do more innovative, hands-on experiences with kids. They love that stuff.”
Resulting in a better experience for students.
“We realistically spend more time in a day with these students than their families do,” Griffin said. “We are their second home. In many cases we have to feed students, bring them in and deal with the social challenges they come in the door with.”
One surprise at this year's event: the Oklahoma Education Association (OEA) was not a sponsor.
OEA President Katherine Bishop gave Fox 25 the following statement:
On June 13, OSDE contacted OEA about sponsoring the upcoming OSDE Inspire OK professional development day to be held on Monday, July 10 at the Reed Conference Center. OEA submitted a sponsorship commitment before the June 26 deadline and found on June 28 that the IACS leadership team had denied OEA's application. While OEA will not be sponsoring OSDE Inspire OK this year, OEA will continue to support its members and all public educators with meaningful and relevant professional learning opportunities.
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