PD Madness Hits JRCoE

As in-person events were still not possible earlier this spring, organizers of the annual Keep Educating Yourself Conference had to pivot and think of a new way to bring free professional development sessions to educators in Oklahoma. With the NCAA’s March Madness happening at the same time, a new idea was born — PD Madness.

For four consecutive Saturdays in the month of March, educators were invited to take part in professional development sessions hosted via Zoom. Each day would feature two sessions, with an attendee from each session selected to win a prize and advance in the “tournament” for the chance to win larger prizes.

Sessions were run by Jeannine Rainbolt College of Education faculty and graduate students and covered such topics as working with legislators and dual language learners, technology integration, and representation in STEM. A total of eight different events were offered over the month, with teachers earing professional development credits for attending.

“The KEY Conference was created as a way for Instructional Leadership and Academic Curriculum faculty to come together and to provide support for teachers throughout the state,” said Kristy Brugar, associate professor and department chair. “This professional development has allowed us to connect with teachers PK-12 around the various interests and needs they have as well as providing a space to learn together. This has been a positive experience for teachers and faculty alike, as ideas have been shared and partnerships have formed.”

For more information about PD Madness, visit https://www.ou.edu/education/news/21-key-conference