Teachers and administrators of Simon Youth Academies across the United States have gathered in Orlando, Florida for the 2012 SYF Annual Conference. This works in conjunction with the 24th Annual National Dropout Prevention NetworkConference. Marrying the two organizations gives everyone a unique opportunity to share best practices in both a large and small setting. The three-day event is a comprehensive look at the most important initiatives and issues facing the youth of today.
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| 2012 SYF Annual Conference, Orlando, FL, October 2012 |
Empowered by Partnerships is the theme of the SYF conference. Working together as one will help the academies work smarter not harder. On Sunday, attendees were welcomed and got to know one another in an intimate setting. The unique ice breaker had each person bring with them a small gift that was representative of where they work. For example, one brought candy from a company based in the area while another brought a sports t-shirt from the professional team in their city. In addition, SYF President and CEO Dr. J. Michael Durnil talked about the key engagement activities, new branding, enhancement grants and much more.
Monday started bright and early as breakfast gave everyone an opportunity to meet experts in residence. The primary goal of this initiative is to pair up academies with individuals who can lend support and guidance not only during the conference but as they go back into their education centers. After some sessions guided by the Dropout Prevention Network, SYF administrators and teachers came back together for two workshops led by Dr. Sylvia Rockwell. A member of Kappa Delta Pi (an international honorary society for educators) and education consultant with Tactical Teaching, Rockwell walked everyone through the hot topics of teaching at-risk learners and how manage “You can’t make me” moments. Her thirty plus years of experience helped these participants through her efforts and other best practices.
The evening events capped off the day and recognized the efforts of those in the field. In addition, two individuals were singled out as the 2012 Administrator of the Year and Teacher of the Year. The Administrator of the Year is Seith Bedard, Director of SimonYouth Peabody Learning Academy at Northshore Mall in Massachusetts. The Teacher of the Year is Katie Burton, Student Services Coordinator at Simon Youth ClarkPleasant Academy in Whiteland, Indiana.
Look for more about the Tuesday and Wednesday wrap-up coming later in the week.
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