Annual Our Kids Summer Institute Registration Open for Those Serving English Learners

For the past 11 years, the Our Kids Summer Institute has provided a high-quality professional development opportunity for teachers and administrators who work with English learners. Historically, premier presenters from the U.S and Canada have shared their expertise, networking opportunities and multicultural experiences have been provided and various conference strands have met a range of needs and interests among participants. 

In addition, Our Kids prides itself on highlighting cultures of students and families in Iowa by incorporating culturally and linguistically diverse voices in panels, cultural performances, planning, etc. Speakers at this year’s event will include: 

• Clemencia Spizzirri: Iowa’s 2015 Teacher of the Year (Spanish teacher at Merrill Middle School in Des Moines) Iowa’s first Teacher of the Year who was an ELL, herself! 
• Dr. Ryan Nelson of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette: Fostering Strengths and Resilience in Reluctant Learners: Literacy Instruction for Children with Differences 
• Dr. Kristiina Montero of Wilfrid Laurier University in Canada: Teaching Reading to Adolescent ELLs with Limited or Interrupted Formal Education 
• Daphne Germain: Senior Director of ELL Services and Professional Development for Boston Public Schools 

Dates: June 16 & 17, 2015 
Location: Waukee High School 
Activity Number: ES009168221601