Vincennes University’s Innovative Teaching Summit worked to prepare K-12 educators

On Friday, October 25, the Vincennes University College of Social Science, Performing Arts, and Communication once again put on its yearly Innovative Teaching Summit. Educators from all over the area representing all K-12 focuses attended the event alongside Education majors from Vincennes and Faculty, to discuss how best to implement cutting edge technology into the classroom, improve STEM education, and support underserved student populations.

Brenny Kummer, who serves as the Assistant Director of Educational Technology at Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation in Columbus, was the keynote speaker for this year’s event. Kummer spoke about the importance of using innovative ideas within the framework of K-12 education in order to create networks that allow for students from largely underserved communities a way forward in their education. The audience seemed to react well to Kummer’s speech, which was largely educators interested in establishing more equitable access to teaching resources, as well as creating new teaching methods.

In an article posted on Vincennes University’s website, Dr. Cynthia Ragle, the Dean of the College of Social Science, Performing Arts, and communication, spoke of the event, saying, "VU is incredibly proud that the University is at the forefront fostering educational change by helping to ensure teaching methods evolve to meet the diverse needs of today's learners."

Other events that took place throughout the day included breakout sessions covering a range of topics related to the theme of the day. One such session looked at the effect artificial intelligence will have on kids’ books, and how that technology was used to illustrate one such book. The topic of another session was on Indiana’s English as a Second Language (or ESL) Internship Initiative, which allows K-12 students the opportunity to overcome barriers to learning English. Attendees also were introduced to topics on the Science of Reading, which also looked at the effects of AI in the classroom.

One of these breakout sessions saw a high school teacher from Shoals, Indiana presenting on their school’s engineering, construction, and agriculture classes as part of the Shop Program at that school. The presentation included a hands on demonstration, highlighting the necessity of technical and career education.

The event also included a virtual-only day, which included sessions about best practices for supporting students who are neurodivergent, covering practical applications of strategies which create successful learning environments for all students.

Jamie Singleton, who served as the summit organizer and is a professor at Vincennes University, was also quoted about the event, saying, "I'm thrilled to see so many passionate educators coming together for this year's Innovative Teaching Summit. It's inspiring to witness the dedication to creating inclusive learning environments where every student can thrive. Together, we're shaping the future of education and ensuring that it is accessible, equitable, and empowering for all."

A Technology Playground was also at the event, which allowed attendees to try out cutting edge classroom tools from assistive technology to STEM equipment. 

Duke Energy sponsored the lunch for the in person event.

The Innovative Teaching Summit is part of Vincennes University’s commitment to supporting K12 educators, making sure they have the community, resources, and training they need to meet the ever changing needs of today’s students. The first Innovative Teaching Summit took place in 2017, and was honoring the memory of former Vincennes president and educator, Dr. Phillip M. Summers.

A photo gallery of the event is available online.

More information about Vincennes University can be found on the school’s website.