Annual High Performing Schools Conference Series Scheduled for August 4 & 5 and August 7 & 8 at ESC Region 12

WACO, TEXAS –The first school bell may not have rung for students yet, but teachers are headed back to class to prepare for the upcoming academic year. To help them get ready, Education Service Center (ESC) Region 12 is hosting a High Performing Schools Conference Series August 4-5 and August 7-8 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at ESC Region 12 in Waco.

“One benefit of the large-scale forum is it provides teachers quality professional development and the opportunity to network with colleagues outside of their district,” said Associate Executive Director Hazel Rowe, Ed.D. We also felt…from our own experiences as teachers, it is a really good way to start the year, by attending something that gets you motivated and gives you some fresh ideas.

This is the third year ESC Region 12 will offer the conference and this year’s theme is: Empower. Achieve. Inspire. The series is divided into two grade level clusters; secondary (6th - 12th) and elementary (K - 6th).

“We are trying to make it very practical. When a teacher leaves this conference, they go away with ideas they can put into place immediately or when school starts. We have scheduled breakout sessions so that every teacher can find something applicable,” High Performing Schools Conference Chair Corrie Searight said.

The session for secondary educators will kick off Monday, Aug. 4. Attendees for the elementary level will convene Thursday, August 7. Special keynote speakers will set the stage on the first day of each two-day event. The remainder of the conference will consist of breakout sessions. Regional educators are not just participating in the conference; more than 60 are taking lead roles and conducting sessions. In addition to sessions that address English language arts, reading, math, science, and social studies, there will be others on topics including career and technology education, accommodations and modifications, student motivation, classroom management, assessment, technology, character education and so much more.

Registration is free for ESC Region 12 Enhanced Co-op members. More information about the conference series, registration and other programs offered by ESC Region 12 is available at www.esc12.net.

For more details or to inquire about school membership in the Enhanced Co-op, individuals should call 254.297.1117. For more information, contact Jennifer Marshall-Higgins at 254.297.1198 or jhiggins@esc12.net.

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