Conference brings 1,200 teachers to town

MEDIA RELEASE
Inspired Impact
January 20, 2011

Conference brings 1,200 teachers to town

Over 1,200 teachers will flock to Palmerston North’s Regent Theatre next week to partake in New Zealand’s largest teachers’ conference, Inspired Impact 2011.

The second annual Inspired Impact conference is the brainchild of College Street Normal School Principal, Ross Kennedy, and will be held at The Regent on Broadway January 27 and 28.

“Throughout my teaching career I’ve attended multiple teachers’ conferences that didn’t live up to expectations or meet the professional development needs of my teachers”, Ross said.

“Inspired Impact is practical, hands-on and relevant to New Zealand teachers, and I think that’s key to its popularity”, he said.

Sponsored by Massey University, the 2011 conference focuses on developing the whole child and boasts an impressive line-up of internationally recognised keynote speakers.

It’s a line up that includes British Creativity Expert and Best Selling Author, Sir Ken Robinson whose vision and expertise is sought after by public and commercial enterprises worldwide.

Sir Ken has worked with governments in Europe, Asia and the USA, Fortune 500 companies and some of the world’s leading cultural organisations.

His contention is that traditional education systems around the world are “educating people out of their creativity” with devastating effects.

Sir Ken describes creativity as, “as important as literacy”, because creativity breeds innovation and without innovation there is no hope for progression.

It’s a sentiment of particular relevance to New Zealand teachers in 2011 following the recent introduction of National Standards.

Other Inspired Impact keynote speakers for 2011 include Independent Educational Advisor, Bruce Hammonds; Mohawk Media Managing Directrix, Helen Baxter; Managing Director of Edwards Explorations, Dr John Edwards; and experienced teacher, author, university lecturer and consultant, Kath Murdoch.

Conference attendees will also participate in four workshops of their choice throughout the two-day event, which will be held at both UCOL and Downtown.

ENDS

© Scoop Media