Contact Program Contact Fall Education Workshop Information (765) 455-9411 Media Contact Anne-Marie Damler OCM (765) 455-9468 adamler@iuk.edu Mary Ellen Stephenson OCM (765) 455-9414 mestephe@iuk.edu

Workshop aims at helping all students succeed

KOKOMO, Ind.—Middle school student Craig Tornquist considered himself a “failure” until a teacher encouraged him to audition for a talent show. More than two decades later, that teacher's encouragement inspires Tornquist's message that all adults can influence the success of students.

Using humorous songs and personal anecdotes, Tornquist will present this challenge as keynote speaker for the 24th annual Fall Education Workshop, planned Wednesday, October 12, at Indiana University Kokomo. Open to all area educators, the free workshop runs from 5–7:30 p.m. in Kresge Auditorium and Kelley Student Center, Room 130.

Tornquist's presentation is more than just a fun way to get the workshop started, according to Assistant Professor of Education Shirley Aamidor, Ph.D. “There is a step in teaching known as 'anticipatory state,' or motivating activity, that's usually implemented before actually teaching,” Aamidor said. “The anticipatory state gives context and focus for what is to follow. Craig will encourage, cajole, and provoke workshop participants to think creatively of how teachers and others who hold a moral sway on children have the unique power to transform the lives of children.”

Participants can also join two of five breakout sessions offered during the workshop. Each presenter has completed an undergraduate or graduate degree in education, or both, at IU Kokomo. Sessions and presenters include

“Learning with a Purpose,” by Elizabeth Douglass, a teacher of high ability students for Western School Corporation.

“Meeting the Needs of Gifted Learners in the Regular Classroom,” by Angela Miller, curriculum director for Tippecanoe Valley School Corporation.

“Group Work vs. Cooperative Learning,” by Trudy Blue and Mary King, sixth grade language teachers for Bon Air Middle School.

“Strengths Quest: An Introduction,” by Marsha Berry, accountant and systems administrator for the American Red Cross.

“Research-Based Vocabulary Instruction: More Than 'Write Each Word 5X,' ” panel discussion facilitated by Central Elementary School Principal Nancy Coble.

The Education Workshop is jointly sponsored by the Gamma Gamma chapter of Pi Lambda Theta and the Kokomo Area Reading Council, along with the IU Kokomo Alumni Association, 60th Anniversary Celebration Committee, Division of Education, and the student organizations EdSAC (Education Student Advisory Council) and meshEd. The latter is a new association for secondary education majors; its name stands for “Mathematics, English, Science, History, Education,” representing the academic disciplines of the major.

Persons without campus parking permits should follow signs to free visitor parking for this event. For more information, call (765) 455-9411.