The Future Teachers Conference

By Judy Kasabian, El Camino Community College, Torrance, CA

The Future Teachers Conference, a day-long event designed to provide prospective teachers with knowledge about and tools for teaching, made its debut in 1997 with 100 future teachers from 10 colleges and universities in Los Angeles and Orange Counties as part of the National Science Foundation funded project, the Los Angeles Collaborative For Teacher Excellence. It was a unique event, not only because it was the first professional event for prospective teachers, but also because it was planned and implemented by future and new teachers and college faculty. Having future and new teachers on the planning team insures that the conference addresses the needs and interests of the target audience. In addition, the planners gain invaluable knowledge and leadership experience that they take into their professional careers.

Los Angeles hosted its 12th annual conference in October 2008 with 35 sessions covering topics such as classroom management strategies, the credential process, getting ready for the first day of school, cartooning in the classroom, and a principal’s advice to new teachers. Participants selected five workshops where they learned about the presentation topic, participated in activities and discussions, and had an opportunity to ask questions of the speakers. Perhaps the best evidence of the efficacy of the Future Teachers Conference comes from the comments that attendees have shared with us.

Beginning a job as a new teacher can be very intimidating. Many of us hear stories about how challenging it is and how many teachers move on to different careers after spending only a few years in the teaching profession. This conference was refreshing and inspiring because we were able to see the positive side of being an educator and were given some of the resources and advice necessary for our success and that of our students.
This is the third time I attended and now I am in the first year of teaching. Coming to this conference helps me gain knowledge, ideas, and resources I never thought I could get. Thank you for the light bulb!

The Future Teachers Conference has grown significantly over the years and we now host about 450 pre-service and novice teachers. In 2001, WaMu became our corporate sponsor. Virginia Victorin from WaMu provided the welcoming remarks and shared her thoughts about the event.

My colleague and I walked in anxiously, not knowing what to expect. Suddenly...BOOM! The participants’ energy, excitement, and enthusiasm slapped us in our faces like pieces of wet salami! Who are all these young people, and why are they here so early on a Saturday morning?! When the initial shock wore off, it became crystal clear that the Future Teachers Conference was the place to be - a special place where future teachers come together to reaffirm their commitment to this noble profession.

The Future Teachers Conference Planning Handbook was written to assist others in replicating the conference, and has provided the inspiration and guidance for nearly three dozen institutions across the country to plan and host their own conference. The handbook, now in its second edition, is here. We hope it will help even more schools provide this invaluable experience for their prospective teachers.

For additional information, contact Judy Kasabian.