Community connections is focus of INSPIRE event for area educators

In August, educators from across Kalamazoo County will gather for the 2016 Inspire conference. 

The event, sponsored by The Learning Network of Greater Kalamazoo,  is believed to be Michigan’s largest gathering of educators for a single event. More than 1,100 attendees are expected this year.

“Educators” are broadly defined for the purposes of this event, says Melissa Fish, Coordinator for The Learning Network. An "educator" is someone who contributes to the growth and development of a student.

"We invite anyone who works with learners of all ages, inside and outside of a classroom, and in any capacity of youth development," Fish says. That can include (but is not limited to) teachers, custodians, transportation directors, food service providers, administrators, team coaches, arts directors, those from the home-school community, volunteers, and more.

"We want to recognize, thank, and support all of these individuals," Fish says.

The focus of this year's event is on community-wide connections, says Fish. The conference is just one example of how a network of committed individuals can come together to support education in Kalamazoo by equipping our educators with a diverse range of resources. 

Previous Inspire conferences have featured a lineup of speakers and entertainment performances, however, educators requested a different kind of event for this year. 

The variety of topics speaks to the complexities of teaching and youth development, but at the end of the day, it all comes together because we’re putting the student’s growth and development at the center of our work, says Fish. 

With a staff of four, The Learning Network is working to strengthen academic outcomes for children across Kalamazoo County. It convenes individuals from over 30 organizations, agencies, and educational service providers to analyze data and organize strategic Action Networks.

2016 Inspire takes place at the Radisson Plaza Hotel at Kalamazoo Center, 100 W. Michigan Ave. 

Participants can choose from one of two times to attend:  Wednesday, Aug. 17 from 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. or Thursday, Aug.18 from 7:30 a.m to noon.

Registration is still ongoing. Visit 2016inspire.eventbrite.com to sign up.

For more information, visit here  or Facebook here. To register, visit The Learning Network website or search for INSPIRE at  Eventbrite.

Source: The Learning Network