2012 AEA/ACTProfessional Development Conference

Click here for a registration form.

The AEA/ACT Professional Development Conference will be held at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex (BJCC) on March 26, 2012. An exciting day filled with a variety of activities is being planned for all who wish to attend this great event. This conference will provide excellent strategies and skills for education professionals to use in any school setting. All persons interested in getting the most up-to-date information on best practices in education will definitely want to attend.   

The conference will feature an address by our new AEA Executive Secretary Dr. Henry Mabry. In his address, he will provide participants with his perspective on Alabama’s most crucial educational issues. AEA Associate Executive Secretary Dr. Gregory Graves will also be featured at this conference.  He will give an important professional charge to educators as we face some major issues in education in the coming months.  Additionally, participants will be greeted by the 2011-2012 Alabama Teacher of the Year Gay Barnes and Shelby County Superintendent Randy Fuller who will share their voices from the field.  All educators in attendance are sure to be motivated and encouraged by their messages.

The conference will feature sessions focusing on the most current issues and trends in improving teaching and learning for all students.  Sessions will be presented for those interested in learning about educational technology, bullying, innovative instructional strategies, improving school culture and climate, meeting the needs of diverse learners, resources for instructing students with special needs, and National Board Certification. Additionally, there will be sessions that focus on 21st Century Community Grants and professional development for education support professionals (ESPs).

The professional development conference will be an excellent opportunity to accrue high quality professional development credits. All breakout sessions are designed to meet knowledge and ability expectations of the Alabama Standards for Professional Development and the Alabama Quality Teaching Standards, the foundation of EDUCATEAlabama.  Participants will earn CEUs toward the renewal of their professional certificates.  Activities will also continue at this conference for educators who are working toward earning Professional Learning Units (PLUs).

Housing reservations should be made directly with the Sheraton Birmingham Hotel by calling 205.324.5000. When contacting the hotel, be sure to specify participation with the AEA/ACT Professional Development Conference. The special AEA rate of $115.00 will be available until February22, 2012. After this date, rooms and rates will be provided on space availability only.

Registration for the conference is $5.00 for AEA members and $150.00 for non-members. The conference registration deadline is March 5, 2012.  After this date, a late registration fee will apply. The late registration fee is $10.00 for members and $175.00 for non-members. Registration forms and fees should be sent to AEA, Attn: Kynesha Brown, P.O. Box 4177, Montgomery, AL  36103-4177.  The first 100 persons to register for the conference will receive a special gift, so please do not delay!

For more information on PLUs, click here.