Educators gathers for IGNITE professional development

JACKSON, Mo. (KBSI) – Educators from around southeast Missouri and beyond gathered to learn more about the best ways to teach young minds.

More than 230 teachers are learning new ways to hone their teaching skills at the IGNITE Professional Development Conference.

From TikTok to new technology, different educators present fresh tools for learning.

“We’re hoping to ignite everyone’s excitement and enthusiasm,” said Dana Bruns, an Instructional Technology Specialist with the Jackson R-II School District.

She explains how over the last six years the conference has grown.

“So there are several sessions on artificial intelligence,” said said. “There are some sessions on the science of reading. There are some sessions on instructional strategies. One of the most popular ones is one of our teachers use things they learned on TikTok.”

Bruns says the purpose of the conference is to give back to surrounding smaller districts, along with giving the opportunity of professional development to educators.

“It’s not just for our teachers but to open it up to other areas, it can impact a lot more students with this information,” she said.

Bruns says goal of every educator is the ongoing commitment to improve the lives of their students and fellow teachers.