During this special half-day webinar brought to you by Education Week and Western Governors University’s (WGU) School of Education, our experts will explore key insights that can inspire both personal and professional growth, while helping to foster an environment of engagement and success in today’s ever-evolving classrooms.
Whether you’re a veteran teacher or new to the profession, you’ll gain knowledge that will help you:
• Increase your impact,
• Energize your teaching approach, and
• Cultivate a positive learning experience for your students
Agenda
12:00pm ET
Welcome & Introduction
We’ll highlight key topics to be covered in the event.
12:10pm ET
Interactive Session
More details coming soon
12:20pm ET
Panel Discussion: The Power Behind the Science of Learning
Leaders from WGU’s School of Education will define the Science of Learning, a field that studies how people learn by combining research from psychology, neuroscience, and education. Attendees will learn about its important impact on the future of education, and how WGU has woven it into curriculum so that future educators can improve teaching methods and student outcomes.

Tonya Daniels
WGU Portfolio Innovation, Program Director

Elizabeth Allison
WGU Portfolio Innovation, Program Director

Christopher Sharpe
WGU Portfolio Innovation, Program Director
1:10pm ET
Panel Discussion: Cracking the Code: Understanding the Science of Reading
WGU course instructors and nationally-recognized experts on literacy will present on the elements of Science of Reading – the theories behind the science, and how it can create a wave of literacy-informed teachers and educators that can significantly and positively impact literacy acquisition skills across K-12 education.

Elizabeth Allison
WGU Portfolio Innovation, Program Director

Jerad Crave
WGU Instructor

Amanda Kain
WGU Senior Manager, Instruction Faculty
2:00pm ET
The Joy of Teaching
Dr. Mamie Pack, WGU’s Manager of Healthy Learning, will offer practical strategies for teachers to cultivate a sense of joy within themselves and in their schools to help elevate their important role as educators.

Mamie Pack
WGU Manager, Healthy Learning

Milton Collins
Principal,
Lincoln Elementary School, Salt Lake City
2:30pm ET
Break
2:45pm ET
Impactful Research on K-12 Education
Content provided by the EdWeek Research Center
The EdWeek Research Center staff will highlight key findings from new research on career advancement, mental health supports for teachers, staffing shortages, and hard-to-fill teaching
The EdWeek Research Center staff will highlight key findings from new research on career advancement, mental health supports for teachers, staffing shortages, and hard-to-fill teaching

Sterling Lloyd manages the development of surveys and data analyses for the Education Week Research Center.
3:15pm ET
Panel Discussion: Unpacking National Trends in Education
Leaders from WGU and the School of Education will explore national trends in the education sector, including the positive integration of AI in teacher preparation programs, how WGU’s School of Education has reimagined its curriculum, digital pedagogy, and the national impact of teacher apprenticeships.

Verna Lowe
WGU Director, National Educator Preparation

Stacey Ludwig Johnson
WGU SVP and Executive Dean, School of Education

Jennie Sanders
WGU Vice President, Instruction
4:00pm ET
Pathways to Purpose: Teachers Share Their Stories
Dr. Stacey Ludwig Johnson, WGU Senior Vice President and Executive Dean of the School of Education, will lead a discussion with WGU School of Education graduates on their personal and inspirational career trajectories and pathways to becoming a teacher.

Stacey Ludwig Johnson
WGU SVP and Executive Dean, School of Education

Troy Wilson
Principal, Great Oaks Charter School, New York City, and WGU Graduate
4:30pm ET
Closing Thoughts
Stacey Ludwig Johnson will provide closing thoughts and key takeaways from the event.

Stacey Ludwig Johnson
WGU SVP and Executive Dean, School of Education