ASU hosts 'Inspire to Inquire' education fair, conference

January 31, 2011

Teachers and educators are constantly working to inspire youth to learn about the world around them, but sometimes they need a little inspiration too. Arizona State University’s Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College is hosting its sixth Inspire to Inquire Education Fair and Conference at the Polytechnic campus, from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., March 5, to provide useful information and resources to aid in teachers’ and administrators’ efforts.<separator></separator>“The fair showcases Arizona teachers and is a great networking opportunity,” says Molina Walters, clinical assistant professor in the college, “and participants walk away with lessons and materials they can use in their classrooms right away.”<separator></separator>More than 300 teachers, pre-service teachers, administrators and educators are expected to attend.<separator></separator>New this year, education students will have the chance to participate in mock interviews with local school districts. Not only will this provide students with interview experience, it will give the districts a peek at possible future hires.<separator></separator>Participants also will benefit from educational breakout sessions with special guest speakers.  The sessions are divided into “strands” which cover different content area and contain three to eight presentations each. The strands are science, math, literacy, social studies, best teaching practices and special education.<separator></separator>The breakout sessions will also cover topics such as curriculum content, grant writing tips and tricks, k-12 classroom management techniques and curriculum-based field trip information. Upon completion of each session, participants will receive certificates that can be turned in to their districts for professional development credit.<separator></separator>A vendor fair consisting of businesses and organizations associated with education also will be available to participants. The vendors’ goal is to share what resources and support they offer with teachers, which will ultimately promote learning. Vendors include SRP, Arizona Puppet Theater, Arizona Geographic Alliance and many others.<separator></separator>Many community sponsors and partners are teaming with the college to present the fair, including the Center for Teacher Success, Arizona Science Center, Arizona Game and Fish and Desert Botanical Gardens among others. SRP is the main sponsor.<separator></separator>Those interested in attending are encouraged to register early. For those who register before Feb. 5, the registration price will be $25 for teachers and $10 for students. The price between Feb. 6 and March 4 will be $35 for teachers and $15 for students. At the door prices March 5 are $50 for teachers and $20 for students. Students must present a current student ID.<separator></separator>Check in on March 5 will start at 7:15 a.m. in the Student Union.<separator></separator>Registration is available online at education.asu.edu/edufair. For questions, contact Walters at <a href="mailto:drmo@asu.edu">drmo@asu.edu</a> or 480-727-1510.<separator></separator>Written by Tana Ingram<separator></separator>Media Contact: Christine Lambrakis, <a href="mailto:lambrakis@asu.edu">lambrakis@asu.edu</a> (480) 727-1173, (602) 316-5616

Education Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College