Third Annual California Teachers Summit Addresses Bullying
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On July 28 thousands of teachers from across California gathered at 35 locations around the state, including Pepperdine’s West Los Angeles Graduate Campus, for Better Together: California Teachers Summit. Hosted by the Graduate School of Education and Psychology, the event featured TED-style EdTalks presented by local educators who shared strategies and lessons learned in their classrooms and Edcamp breakout discussions led by teachers for teachers.
This year’s theme, “Now More Than Ever,” emphasized the value of teachers convening together to exchange ideas, experiences, and potential solutions for the unique issues encountered in educational settings. The day’s sessions focused on timely and prominent topics ranging from addressing bullying in the classroom to celebrating diversity to teaching students to be open-minded, critical thinkers.
Dr. Jill Biden, former second lady of the United States, presented the keynote address reflecting on her 35 years of service to public education at high schools and community colleges, as well as at an adolescent psychiatric hospital.
“Being an educator is about bridging divides, coming up with creative solutions, and finding a way forward, even when it’s tough,” said Biden. “When I think about the challenges we face as a nation and as a global community, teachers are the people who give me the most hope.”