More than 500 educators gathered this week in Wichita for the 2023 Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) Great Ideas in Education Conference: Empowered Together.

The conference began Wednesday, Oct. 25, at the Hyatt Regency Wichita/Century II Performing Arts and Convention Center. Attendees had the chance to hear from Dr. Steve Constantino as he presented the afternoon keynote speech. They also were able to visit exhibitors, collaborate and learn through a variety of sessions.

Thursday’s conference included an opening session with recognition of KSDE art contest winners, a keynote presentation from Logan Taylor with Y.B. Normal and more breakout sessions.

This was the first time Amy Loder, director of elementary education for Dodge City Unified School District 443, attended the KSDE conference.

Some of KSDE’s other conferences, such as the Safe and Supportive Schools Conference that generally takes place in January, were combined into the Wichita conference, something that Loder said has offered her an opportunity to meet more people and attend different sessions.

“I’ve really, really enjoyed it,” she said. “There’s a wide variety of session topics.”

Ten Cookies, Collaboration and Conversation sessions were offered to round out the day. Educators and attendees were able to exchange information and ideas during this time.

The conference on Friday will feature a keynote presentation from Kansas Commissioner of Education Dr. Randy Watson and a general session that will highlight school improvement fundamentals, the Kansas Education Systems Accreditation (KESA) model and updates on KSDE initiatives.