Teach Camp

​​​​​Overview
​Teach Camp is a virtual professional development event for K–12 educators that I've directed since 2016. Each summer, approximately 500 teachers participate in virtual sessions on instructional strategies, educational technology, artificial intelligence, mathematics, and classroom innovation. Over the past 11 years, Teach Camp has grown into one of Dakota State University's signature professional learning events.

My Role

• Learning Experience Design
• Event Direction
• Website Design
• Project Management
• Marketing
• Presenter
• Event Host

The Challenge
As the director of Teach Camp, I lead a team of colleagues in creating a professional development experience that is engaging, practical, and flexible. Our goal is to give teachers meaningful learning opportunities while allowing them to choose sessions that match their interests and classroom needs.

The Design
Teach Camp is designed as a complete learning experience—from registration through the final session. I lead a talented team of colleagues who help bring the event to life. Together, we coordinate presenters, organize the schedule, develop participant resources, and create a welcoming, engaging experience for teachers. I also create the website, present sessions, and serve as the event host.

One of the unique features of Teach Camp is the choice board model used for graduate credit. Rather than simply attending presentations, teachers select activities that encourage reflection, lesson design, hands-on learning, and exploration of new instructional strategies. We refine the choice boards each year based on participant feedback, and they have become one of the most highly rated parts of the event because they give teachers voice and choice in their professional learning.
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The Result
​Over the past 11 years, Teach Camp has served thousands of educators, with approximately 500 teachers participating each summer. Many return year after year, and the combination of expert presenters, flexible learning opportunities, and practical classroom applications has helped make Teach Camp one of Dakota State University's signature professional development events.

Reflection
​Teach Camp has allowed me to combine instructional design, event leadership, technology, and teaching into a single project. It has also reinforced the value of collaboration. The best learning experiences are created by teams that bring different perspectives together and continually refine the experience based on participant feedback.

Audience:
K–12 Teachers

Role:
Learning Experience Design, Event Design, Website Design, Professional Development, Presenter & Event Host

Focus:
Teacher Professional Learning

​Primary Goal:
Design an engaging, flexible professional development experience that teachers can immediately apply in their classrooms.

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