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Keynote speaker David Jakes
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WIU COEHS to Host Second Annual Rural Education Summer Symposium

August 8, 2023

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MACOMB, IL - - The Western Illinois University College of Education & Human Services (COEHS) Office of Teacher Education will host the second annual Rural Education Summer Symposium Aug. 9-10 online.

The online event, which will feature cutting-edge researchers and practitioners in the field of education with current students and recent graduates of the University, is designed to be a significant resource for those enrolled in the Masters of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program.

Keynote speaker David Jakes, a world renowned design thinking expert and author of "The Design Thinking Classroom" will be joined by other design-thinking experts including, Head of School at The Delta School in Wilson, AR, Andrew Podoll; co-creator of the InNOVAtion Lab of Perkiomen Valley High School in Pennsylvania Garreth Heidt; and Education Professor and Director of Education with Evidence in the School of Education at Southern Illinois University Grant Miller.

Additionally, attendees will benefit from the symposium's second theme focusing on "Special Education." The Illinois Elevating Special Educators Network (IESE) will present a total of nine sessions over the two days. The sessions are designed for all educators, and their shared expertise is implemented into the symposium.

"We are lucky to have made some great connections over the past couple of years and have a top-notch group of presenters lined up," said Field & Clinical Experience Coordinator in the Office of Teacher Education Lisa Litchfield. "The MAT Residency Grant, Illinois Elevating Special Educators Network and the Association of Illinois Rural and Small Schools are funding the symposium and we couldn't have put together such a great event without their support. Please join us for any and all sessions. You won't be disappointed!"

The MAT is a two year residency program. Candidates with a non-teaching bachelor's degree are hired by a school district in Illinois on a provisional teaching license. Candidates are paid a beginning teacher salary and take courses over a two year period. Upon completion of the program, graduates will receive an Illinois Professional Educator License and a Master of Arts degree.

For more details on the program, eligibility and licensure areas, visit wiu.edu/coehs/education/grad/mat/ To view the symposium schedule and access the online links, visit bit.ly/3DMWPoJ.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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