Due to Covid19 ITEC-WM has currently suspended all Fire Up and Cooperating Teachers Conferences until further notice. If you have any questions please email us through our Contact Page. Thank you!

Fire Up Student Teacher Conference

Fire Up is a full day of professional development specifically designed to support student teachers/interns as they prepare for their first year of teaching. The conference begins with a keynote followed by break out sessions ranging from classroom management and instructional topics to behind-the-scenes  information such as working with the tech director and effective parent communications. Speakers include past Teachers of the Year, Superintendents, and teachers from k-12 districts across the area. 

Whether sitting in sessions or networking over the lunch, student teachers find interacting with speakers and with interns from other institutions to be inspiring and informational. Classroom teachers across West Michigan reflect the value of their Fire Up experience and volunteer annually to share their expertise with our newest cohort of novice educators. 

Follow this link for past conference information. 

Cooperating Teacher Conference

The Cooperating Teachers' Conference is a half-day professional development opportunity for classroom teachers who host student teachers from ITEC-WM members colleges & universities. As guests of their council member, cooperating teachers attend sessions on topics that address issues related to working with student teachers or current issues in education in general. 

This year, in response to feedback, we're updating the format from a traditional keynote / breakout format to give cooperating teachers a more interactive experience that allows for even more sharing of expertise among attendees. We're excited to be offering a half day keynote / table-top exercise that will give cooperating teachers the opportunity to learn from each other during a shared experience. 

Follow this link for more details from past conferences. 

ITEC-WM