GACTE Fall 2021 Conference
GACTE/GoReact Fall 2021 Conference
Columbus, GA
November 17-19, 2021
Hotel: Hilton Garden Inn, 1500 Bradley Lake Blvd, Columbus, GA, 31904
Website
Conference Registration: https://gacte.net/gacte-fall-2021-conference-registration/
Hotel Registration: https://hiltongardeninn.hilton.com/en/gi/groups/personalized/C/CSGGHGI-GACTE-20211117/index.jhtml
Open to: Administrators, Faculty, Staff
Registration for Institutional Members: $110 (Thursday Only: $80, Friday only: $60)
Registration for Non-Members: $200 (Thursday Only: $110, Friday only: $100)
*Late Registration Begins October 15, 2021 (Members: $185, Non-Members $285
*Note that GACTE is an institutional membership so if your EPP is paid for 2021-2022, all faculty, staff, and administrators are members.
Program Outline
Theme: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion: Rethinking our Teacher Educator Roles
Outcomes: Providing self-introspection opportunities, hands-on strategies to use with faculty, pre-service teachers, and school/university mentors including ways to examine whether:
- Diversity, equity and inclusion is valued and championed at all levels of preparation and induction,
- All persons feel respected, accepted, and included, and
- Perceptions about diversity, equity and inclusion are the same for all people of all backgrounds.
Wednesday, November 17
10:00-11:30 a.m.: GACTE Board Meeting (Lunch Meal Included)
- Facilitators: Joe Peters, Fidel Turner, Loleta Sartin, Cindi Chance
- Location: Cascade Board Room
- Attendees: 2021-22 Board Members
11:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m.: Registration
- Registrars: Keisha Foston, Shanquita Lewis, Shanda Brand
- Location Hallway Outside Azalea Ballroom
1:00-4:00 p.m.: USG Deans and EdRAC
- Facilitators: Cynthia Bolton-Gary (USG), Sharon Hixon (EdRAC)
- Location: Azalea II
- Attendees: USG Deans and EdRAC Members
1:00-4:00 p.m.: Georgia Association of Independent Colleges of Teacher Education (Susan Lynn)
- Facilitator: Susan Lynn
- Location: Cascade Boardroom
- Attendees: GAICTE
1:00-4:00 p.m.: Georgia Field Directors Association (Vicki Pheil)
- Facilitator: Vicki Pheil
- Location: Azalea III
- Attendees: GFDA Members
1:00-4:00 p.m.: Georgia Assessment Directors’ Association (Nancy Marsh)
- Facilitator: Nancy Marsh
- Location: Azalea I
- Attendees: GADA Members
6:00-8:00 p.m.: Evening Reception
Sponsored by BranchED
- Location: Lakeside Grill & Outside Patio
- Attendees: All Conference Attendees
Thursday, November 18,
8:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m.: Registration
- Registrars: Keisha Foston, Shanquita Lewis, Shanda Brand
- Location Hallway Outside Azalea Ballroom
9:00 -9:10 a.m.: Welcome
9:10-9:35 a.m.: AACTE Legislative Update (Senior Director of Federal Relations and Policy Michael Rose-Virtual)
9:35-10:00 a.m.: State Legislative Update (Claire Suggs)
10:00 -12:00 p.m.: Interactive Session-Modeling Reflective, Equity-Oriented Practice
- Facilitator: Cassandra Herring (Branch Alliance for Educator Diversity (BranchED))
12:00-12:15: GoReact Session
- Facilitator: Devin Porter
12:15-1:00 p.m.: Lunch and GACTE Strategic Plan Presentation
- 2022-25 Strategic Plan Presentation and Membership Approval
- Facilitators: Adrian Epps, Loleta Sartin, Joe Peters, Fidel Turner, Cindi Chance
- Location: Azalea Ballroom
1:00-2:15 p.m.: Model Activities for Mentor Teachers
- Facilitators: Angie Gant and PaQuita Morgan
- Presenters: Georgia Mentor Teacher Award Recipients
- Location: Azalea Ballroom
2:15-2:30 p.m.: Break
- Location: Hallway and Patio off of Azalea Ballroom
2:30-3:30 p.m.: Agency Updates
- PSC (15 Minutes)
- Facilitators: Matt Arthur, Penny McRoy, Angie Gant and PaQuita Morgan
- GADoE (15 Minutes)
- Facilitators: Richard Woods, Caitlin Dooley, Laine Reichert
- USG (15 Minutes)
- Facilitator: Cynthia Bolton Gary
- GAICTE (15 Minutes)
- Facilitator:
- Location: Azalea Ballroom
3:30 p.m.: Adjourn
5:30-6:30 p.m.: Reception Honoring Awardees
- Location: : Lakeside Grill & Outside Patio
6:30-8:30 p.m.: Awards Banquet
- Welcome (6:30 p.m.)
- Joe Peters
- Introduction of the Performers (6:35-6:45 p.m.)
- Dee Greer
- Performance (6:45-7:00 p.m.)
- Dinner (6:45-7:20)
- Recognition of Sponsors (7:20-7:25 p.m.)
- Loleta Sartin & Sharon Hixon
- Georgia Mentor Teacher Awards (7:25-8:05 p.m.)
- Joe Peters, Loleta Sartin, Fidel Turner, Sponsors
- Announce Awardees—GACTE President
- Plaques–GAEL
- Neck Loveliers—PAGE Exec Director
- Checks—PSC GaNTEP
- Certificates—GAE Exec Director
- Joe Peters, Loleta Sartin, Fidel Turner, Sponsors
- Special Recognition (To Be Announced) (8:05 p.m.-8:10 p.m.)
- Joe Peters, Loleta Sartin, Fidel Turner
- Chance Award for Outstanding Service to Teacher Education (8:10-8:15 p.m.)
- Facilitator: TBA
- Closing Remarks (8:15-8:30 p.m.)
- Fidel Turner
- Location: Azalea Ballroom
Friday, November 19
8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.: Registration
- Registrars: Keisha Foston, Shanquita Lewis, Shanda Brand
- Location Hallway Outside Azalea Ballroom
9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.: Breakout Sessions–Success Strategies in Operation in GA
Program Recruitment and Retention (9:00-9:55 a.m.)
Georgia Evans
University of West Georgia
Title: Inequities in Schools: Do We Recognize the Issues?
Abstract: Inequities in education, just like in all aspects of society, are rampant. Whether socio-economic, geographical, ethnic, racial, cognitive and/or physical ability, language, sexual orientation or family structure, students throughout the United States face equity issues related to their education. This session will focus on equity issues related to Georgia schools. We will examine the reasons influencing teacher availability and retention across the state and consider the “look fors” associated with an equitable school and classroom.
Location: Azalea Ballroom I
Inclusive Curriculum (9:00-9:55 a.m.)
Barbara Bishop
West Georgia RESA
Title: Invitation to Learning: How our Curriculum Choices Impact Inclusivity
Abstract: Even the most positive of school climates and most inviting of classroom environments can fail to offer equitable access to learning standards. The curriculum itself – its materials, examples, language and representation must offer inclusivity if we are to truly reach all students. In this session, we will examine aspects of curriculum that must offer a means of entry for diverse learners, and we will consider how school leaders and teachers may leverage curriculum for increased access to learning standards and maximized student outcomes.
Location: Azalea Ballroom III
Faculty Buy-in (10:00-10:55 a.m.)
Neporcha Cone
Kennesaw State University
Title: Principles and Techniques For Creating Inclusive Faculty Buy-In
Abstract: Shifting demographics in higher education has led to the growing need for faculty, staff, and administrators to authentically embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in their everyday interactions with students. Faculty are the lifeline of an institution. Amongst other things, they design programs and contribute to student engagement. Furthermore, they play a pivotal role in shaping curriculum that engage stakeholders in dialogue around DEI and student success. Because the curriculum is dynamic, and as such, is responsive to changes, we must be intentional as it relates to implementing more inclusive practices. During this session, we will discuss principles and techniques for creating inclusive faculty buy-in, along with practical strategies for instructors to utilize with students.
Location: Azalea Ballroom I
Program Recruitment and Retention (10:00-10:55 a.m.)
Miyoshi Juergensen
Tamela Thomas
Kennesaw State University
Title: Preparing Teacher-Leaders on Purpose: (Re)centering
Abstract:Through audits on the curriculum, culture, and climate and given the current social/political educational landscape, the Teacher Leadership faculty at Kennesaw State University have begun locating and (re)centering equity across the four graduate programs of study. Data indicate that current teacher-leadership graduate students, especially those from diverse backgrounds serving students with diverse learning and language needs, appreciate the timely shift toward equity regarding their leadership preparation and engage in word-of-mouth recruitment with colleagues in their respective schooling communities as a result. The presentation will conclude by addressing applicable recruitment and retention implications for graduate programs serving currently practicing teachers through lenses of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Location: Azalea Ballroom III
Inclusive Curriculum (11:00-11:55 a.m.)
Leah Panther
Mercer University
Title: Whose English? Preparing Teacher Candidates and Teacher Educators to Listen for Linguistic Justice
Abstract: Historically and culturally responsive, relevant, and sustaining pedagogies have become increasingly more common throughout education—each with an explicit goal to increase learners’ intellects through relationships, center diverse identities, and stimulate sociopolitical consciousness. One strand of these traditions of particular interest is linguistic diversity: Georgia is home to countless varieties of English leading to questions about whose English is valued in curriculum design, instructional strategies, assessment practices, and teacher disposition evaluations. This presentation will explore the language and linguistic diversity of Georgia, the implications for teacher candidates and teacher educators, with an explicit goal of revealing linguistic ideologies inherent in the listening process. Ultimately, considering ways Georgia educators at all levels can listen for linguistic justice.
Location: Azalea Ballroom I
Faculty Buy-in (11:00-11:55 a.m.)
Fidel Turner
Clark Atlantic University and GACTE President-Elect
Title: Faculty Buy-In: Strategies and Considerations for Enhancing Inclusivity
Abstract: This interactive session will provide information for educational professionals currently engaged in or considering improving inclusive practices in a higher education setting. Topics include the following: (a) conducting a self-assessment to determine a starting point for action related to inclusive practices; (b) following a change model to move from initiating to sustaining inclusive practices; (c) forming a guiding team to monitor progress; and (d) providing ongoing professional development directly related to student, faculty/educator inclusivity needs
Location: Azalea Ballroom III
12:00-1:00 p.m.: Lunch
- Panel on Partnerships
- Facilitator: Don Livingston (GATE)
- Panelists: Don Livingston (GATE), Lolita Sartin/Joe Peters/Fidel Turner (GACTE), TBA (GAICTE)
- Location: Azalea Ballroom
1:00-2:00 p.m.: Addressing the Issues Facing Implementation
- Facilitators: Laine Reichert, GA Department of Education, and Kevin Gecowets, Strategic Planning Leader
- Who/How to Overcome Implementation Roadblocks (Role of local EPPs, GACTE, PSC, DoEd, USG, etc.)
- Location: Azalea Ballroom
2:00-2:15: Reassemble and Adjournment
- Closing Activities
- Facilitators: Loleta Sartin, Joe Peters, Fidel Turner, Cindi Chance
- Location: Azalea Ballroom
