Hundreds of teachers will gather at Loyola Marymount University on Friday, July 28, for a free day of learning during the third annual Better Together: California Teachers Summit.
LMU is among 15 locations across the Los Angeles region – and 35 sites in California – that are participating in the summit for educators. LMU will livestream a keynote address by Dr. Jill Biden, a longtime educator and wife of former Vice President Joe Biden, as she addresses teachers from the headquarters site at Saint Mary’s College in Moraga, California.
LMU attendees will participate in TED-style talks presented by local teachers, and join discussions about topics such as addressing bullying in the classroom, celebrating diversity, and teaching students how to be critical thinkers.
“California educators work hard to support their students, and this summit will serve as an opportunity to celebrate the work they do while providing them a space to come together and learn from one another,” said Shane P. Martin, Ph.D., dean of LMU’s School of Education and member of the Better Together Steering Committee. “It is an honor for the LMU School of Education to be a statewide leader for this powerful day of learning for the third year in a row, and we are excited this year to feature dynamic local teachers in our program.”
Kevin Melbourne, a Cowan Avenue Elementary School teacher, will serve as master of ceremonies, and EdTalk speakers will include: Claire Touchstone, Ed.D. ’13, M.A. ’08 in school administration, a Marlton School teacher and LMU double alumna; Christine Chiu, a Broadway Elementary School teacher; and Chris Hofmann, M.A. ’11 in urban education, and a KIPP Raíces Academy teacher. Nick Melvoin, M.A. ’10 in urban education, and LAUSD Board Member for Board District 4, will deliver opening remarks.
The gathering at LMU will run from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on the Westchester campus, 1 LMU Drive, Los Angeles, 90045.
Throughout the day, 10,000 teachers from across California are expected to attend summit events at various locations. The Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities, the California State University, and the New Teacher Center are hosting this year’s California Teachers Summit. LMU serves as the statewide fiduciary on behalf of the AICCU. More information is available at cateacherssummit.com.