Tekonsha staff had an amazing day of professional learning at the County-Wide Professional Development on Tuesday, November 4th! Shout out to three of our local Tekonsha businesses that helped sponsor this event through cash donations or giveaways: Southern Michigan Bank & Trust, McDonald's, and Keep & Martinson Lumber!
The following is an official press release from the Calhoun County Intermediate School District regarding the event:
More than 1,000 educators from across Calhoun County came together at Harper Creek High School for the First Annual Calhoun County Collaborative Professional Development Day, a full-day event dedicated to collaboration, innovation, and strengthening support for students.
Educators from Athens, Bellevue, Calhoun ISD, Homer, Harper Creek, Lakeview, Mar Lee, Olivet, Pennfield, and Tekonsha participated in the conference, which centered on the theme “Every Student. Every Day. Whatever It Takes.”
“This year’s conference theme reflects our shared commitment to ensuring that all students thrive through strong, responsive Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS),” said Carrie Johnson, Assistant Superintendent of Regional Instructional Services at Calhoun ISD. “We look forward to a powerful day of shared learning, collaboration, and celebration of the work being done across districts to meet the needs of every student, every day.”
The event featured keynote speaker Jimmy Casas, nationally recognized educator and author of Culturize: Every Student. Every Day. Whatever It Takes. Casas inspired attendees to champion students and cultivate positive school cultures. “If we want to build schools where parents and teachers are fighting to get in instead of out, we must make developing positive school cultures a priority for every school and principal that welcomes children each day,” Casas shared.
In addition to the keynote, the conference offered over 100 breakout sessions led by local educators, ISD staff, and community partners. Sessions covered a wide range of topics including trauma-informed practices, Cognitive Coaching, literacy and math instruction, PBIS, MTSS, dyslexia, classroom management, technology integration, family engagement, and substance abuse prevention.
Educators praised the event for its relevance, energy, and opportunities for collaboration:
- “The keynote speaker was able to identify well with the audience and offer an entertaining perspective,” noted Nicky Ball (Tekonsha).
- “Professional development training should always be a county-wide endeavor. It’s easier to get in your required hours and network with others who are in similar positions,” said Seth Shubert (Harper Creek).
- “Focusing on culture in our district is a priority. It’s helpful to have a wide variety of content to choose from,” added Barb Smith (Homer).
- “I love the energy. Jimmy Casas was an amazing keynote speaker,” said Kristi Janvrin (Calhoun ISD).
- Renee Giddings (Lakeview) emphasized the value of reconnecting with former colleagues and expressed hope the event continues in future years.
The event was made possible through collaboration among local districts, the Calhoun ISD, and numerous community sponsors, including Cereal City Print Shop, Kellogg Community College, Keep & Martinson Lumber, Battle Creek Culver’s, Maynard Family McDonald’s, Marshall Biggby, Battle Creek Olive Garden, REMC, Southern Michigan Bank & Trust, Redman Agency Meemic Insurance, and Duncan Aviation.
About the Calhoun County Collaborative Professional Development Day The Calhoun County Collaborative Professional Development Day brings together educators from across the county to share best practices, strengthen instructional strategies, and build a united commitment to student success. The event aims to foster collaboration and professional growth among all school personnel in Calhoun County.