March 22, 2019
Charleston, W.Va. – The West Virginia Department of Education will host approximately 100 teachers on March 22-23, 2019, at the Elevating and Celebrating Effective Teaching and Teachers (ECET2) Convening. The event, developed and planned by West Virginia classroom educators, provides a forum for exceptional teachers to learn from one another while celebrating their profession.
ECET2 was created in 2012 as a national conference to inspire and inform teachers to support leadership development locally. Since that time, teachers have captured the spirit of the cause and hosted 200 similar activities in 40 states with the support of grant funding and guidance from the ECET2 network. More than 30,000 teachers across the country have benefitted from the effort.
While convenings feature speakers and innovational instructional practices, among the most beneficial components are the opportunities for educators to share and learn from one another. Promising and established teachers connect through national and regional events to empower one another while encouraging strong leadership within the profession. Networking, collaboration and reflection are key to the convenings and ample time is available for educators to benefit from these constructive activities.
“Leadership development is paramount for our educators. Teachers who have these skills are effective in the classroom and their students enjoy higher levels of success,” said West Virginia Superintendent of Schools Dr. Steven Paine. “This event brings together educators who are dedicated to their own professional growth and understand that confidence begins with the individual who is committed to the continuous journey of self-reflection and life-long learning.”
ECET2 participants were nominated by their peers and administrators in their counties. As part of the convening, they learn how to develop sustainability plans for similar groups at the county level. Opening activities begin with registration at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, and Dr. Paine will offer a keynote address at 7:30 p.m. The conference will be held at Stonewall Jackson Resort and Conference Center in Roanoke, W.Va.
ECET2 was originally created to improve and enhance professional growth while reducing educators’ sense of isolation and increase their voices as leaders and advocates.