Teachers of Tomorrow Club     Hosts The 10th Annual    
Future Teachers Conference

                               Marilou Christiansen

                               March 9th, 2009

Project TEACH and the Washington State Center of Excellence for Careers in Education hosted the 10th Anniversary of the Future Teachers Conference at the Green River Community College on March 7, 2009. The 2009 Future Teachers Conference was sponsored by WaMu, now backed by the strength of JP Morgan Chase, Washington Education Association, and the Kobe Foundation.

The day long symposium honored future and current teachers. Rich Rutkowski, President and April Jensen, Executive Vice President of Green River Community College opened the 10th Anniversary celebration by welcoming the audience. The 2009 Future Teachers Conference had over 400 statewide attendees, consisting of high school and college students, K‐12 teachers, administrators and other local community college and four‐year university educational professionals. We were also honored by our attendees from Mott Community College, Michigan; Boise State University, Idaho; Walden University, North Carolina; Clark College, Oregon and Sherry Gates, GRCC Board of Trustees.

Dr. Harry K. Wong, our featured guest and keynote speaker was dynamic and inspirational. Voted by readers of Instructor Magazine as one of the top 20 most inspirational people in teacher education, Dr. Wong enthused the audience with his practical advice for classroom teaching. His three hour presentation covered the results of student learning and achievement. His dynamic presentation focused on the three components of effective teachers; classroom management, learning to instruct from objectives, and assessment with rubrics, all of which enable students to progress in their learning. Dr. Wong also spoke about positive teacher expectations and they role they play in helping students learn.

During lunch, the 2008‐09 Teachers of Tomorrow Club officers were recognized and received their WaMu, JP Morgan Chase scholarship. It was followed by an acknowledgement of Project TEACH Advisors and Mac Macaranas from WaMu.

The last hour was dedicated to future teachers. They were encouraged to network with other attendees and explore our informational booths, which consisted of City University, University of Washington, Western Washington University, Green River Community College and Project TEACH. Dr. Wong was also available for photographs with students and to autograph his book.


Thanks to:
Our sponsors for making our 10th Anniversary Future Teachers Conference possible: WaMu is becoming Chase, Washington Education Association, and the Kobe Foundation

The 2008‐09 Teachers of Tomorrow Officers for your coordination and making the 10th Anniversary of FTC successful: Auberry Sta. Rosa, Lauren Alfredson, Holly Wheeler, and Matt Roark

Project TEACH Advisors and Mac Macaranas for your commitment and dedication to Education: Dr. Steve Kinholt, Christie Gilliland, Pam Reising, David Nelson, Dr. Leslie Heizer Newquist, Marcie Sims, Joyce Hammer, and Keith Clay

The Project TEACH/Center of Excellence for Education staff for your dedication and collaborative team work: Saeed Ali, Rose Matthews, Jennifer Hall, Dan McIalwain, and Monica Clement

Scheduling staff for your professionalism and service: Sal Salaguinto, Patty Sherman, Benita Walters, Sandy Gonzales, and kitchen staff

Facilities staff for your assistance in transporting our event materials: Steve Wakefield and Sergey Mikhailenko

Communications and Program Marketing staff for your service and expertise in promotion and marketing: Lansing Andolina; Mark Bilodeau; Phillip Neal; Judy Spiers; and Tiffany Orr

Volunteers for your support and hard work: Jackie Krezelak, Whitney Klingele, and GRCC students