December 20, 2023 — Jacksonville, Fla. — WJCT Public Media will host its annual TEACH Conference, in partnership with VyStar Credit Union, on Saturday, February 10, 2024. This day-long conference for educators will be held at the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront.
A steering committee of educators has designed TEACH for educators of children in grades PreK-5. The day includes 27 concurrent breakout sessions, two national keynote speakers and exhibitors. Early bird tickets are available for purchase now through January 1, 2024, for $40. Regular-priced tickets will be $45 after January 1 and are available at wjct.org/teach.
Dr. Susan B. Neuman, former Assistant Secretary for Secondary and Elementary Education, is TEACH’s morning keynote speaker. She is a leading authority in the field of early childhood education. With a passion for the science of reading, her latest co-authored book, The Handbook on the Science of Early Literacy, delves into nurturing young children for successful reading development. Recognized with two lifetime achievement awards, she continues to shape early childhood policy and reading instruction through her extensive body of work.
Jacksonville educator and writer Vincent Taylor is the afternoon keynote speaker. Mr. Taylor has been an educator for 28 years while simultaneously becoming an acclaimed educational consultant. His work has been presented to over 60,000 educators in over 15 school districts and five universities and is the author of the children’s chapter book series Cornbread. Mr. Taylor graduated from the University of North Florida with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction.
“Educators impact our community every day, shaping the future of the next generation,” said David McGowan, President and CEO of WJCT Public Media. “This event honors their contributions and provides a forum to further their professional development and network with colleagues outside of the classroom setting. Education is a group effort, and we’re proud to help pave the way for progress in our community by bringing educators together to advance their skills.”
“VyStar is proud to partner with WJCT Public Media to present the TEACH Conference once again this year, demonstrating our firm commitment to supporting our local educators,” said Patricia McElroy, Senior Vice President of Community Engagement and President of VyStar Foundation. “By investing in their professional development, we ensure that children in our communities receive the best possible educational experience.”
Kemal Gasper, Vice President of Community Engagement represents VyStar Credit Union as their community liaison and this year’s honorary chair for TEACH.
Additional support is provided in part by PNC Bank. For more information on other sponsors and exhibitors, visit wjct.org/teach.
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About WJCT Public Media
WJCT is the community-owned and operated public media organization serving Jacksonville and the First Coast since 1958, using television, radio, digital media, and live events to help community members learn, share, and grow. For more information on WJCT’s in-depth programming content, log on to WJCT Online at wjct.org. Like WJCT on Facebook (facebook.com/wjctjax) and follow WJCT on Twitter (@WJCTJax) and Instagram (@WJCTJax).
About VyStar Credit Union:
VyStar Credit Union is the second-largest credit union headquartered in Florida and now serves more than 915,000 members with assets of over $13.5 billion. VyStar is the largest mortgage lender in Northeast Florida and a major employer in the region with over 2,000 employees across the communities it serves. VyStar membership is open to everyone who lives or works in the 49 contiguous counties of Central to North Florida, 29 Georgia counties, and past and present military members and their families all over the world. For more information, visit vystarcu.org, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.