If you haven’t registered for the Great Ideas in Education Conference: Empowered Together, do it soon because registration closes on Oct. 13.  

The conference, formerly known as the KSDE Annual Conference, will offer professional development to help school districts improve policies and strategies that ensure safer learning environments and even stronger teaching and learning practices for every Kansas student.  

It will take place Oct. 25-27 at the Hyatt Regency Wichita, 400 W. Waterman St.  

Breakout sessions will center around these strands:  

• Balanced assessment system.  
• Early childhood.  
• Elevating voices in education. 
• Leadership.  
• Safe and supportive schools.  
• Teaching and learning.  
• Technology and cybersecurity.  
   

The Balanced Assessment Strand will feature KSDE staff sharing the latest news regarding assessments and the use of data.  Other key information includes required training for district test coordinators on security and ethics, and Kansas educators sharing their best practices. 

Dr. Steve Constantino, a leader, teacher, speaker and best-selling author, will kick off the conference on Wednesday, Oct. 25. Constantino is internationally recognized for his work in family engagement and his innovative, nonconventional entrepreneurial and outlier approaches to leading organizations and acquiring results.  

Logan Taylor, of Y.B. Normal, will be the keynote speaker on Thursday, Oct. 26. Taylor is the recipient of the president’s lifetime achievement award, certifications in adverse childhood experiences, Teacher and Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) Specialization and mental health first aid. He also has written numerous books. Taylor is currently working to obtain his master’s degree to become a mental health therapist.  

Friday, Oct. 27’s, keynote speaker is Kansas Commissioner of Education Dr. Randy Watson. Watson will highlight updates to education in Kansas. Friday morning also will include updates to the Kansas Education Systems Accreditation (KESA) and important work centered around four fundamental elements identified as critical to student success.  

Conference Schedule  

Registration fees: 

• One day (any individual day) - $175. You will need to indicate which day you plan to attend.  
• Full conference - (two and one-half days) - $275.  

Register now. 

Registration questions may be sent to Kelli Byrne kbyrne@ksde.org.  

Programming questions may be sent to Pat Bone pbone@ksde.org.