Student teachers are required to attend a professional conference during their student teaching experience. The goals of the assignment are to have student teachers (1) develop a "habit" of continued professional development, (2) begin connecting with professional organizations, (3) attend an event as a teacher rather than a student, (4) experience a conference now rather than waiting until they have time because the time seldom comes, (5) make connections within the profession, and (6) find out how much you know in comparison to others at the conference.

     For this portfolio item, you should include the conference program (if reasonable) and any materials you collected (within reason). In a narrative, explain what you attended at the conference and what you learned from the sessions you attended and the interactions you had with other professionals.

     My requirement is that you attend the IATE Conference at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston on November 9th. That conference always has a special strand of events for student teachers. I will get you the registration materials as soon as they are available. The usual registration fee for students is $20.00 and includes the lunchoen. (That's a bargain, by the way.)

     Be sure to check in with a Knox faculty member at the beginning of the conference day -- 8:00 - 8:30 a.m.