View of parking lot the morning of Winter Institute

The postman's motto of "Neither rain, nor sleet, nor gloom of night will keep me from my appointed rounds," could have applied to the participants of the 2009 Winter Institute.

Despite snow and statewide school closings, nearly 600 hundred educators came to the event to learn more about high achieving schools and communities.

Vici Elementary Principal Tonna Flannagan and fellow teachers said they were looking forward to learning how to use technology authenticly in the classroom.

"We are hoping to find something new from the schools that have had rants, " said Flannagan. "We hope to find something that we could use and incorporate into our classes.”

         From Software to Science

Introduction to new technology was just one of the topics offered this year's WI. More than 60 professional development and networking sessions, discussion panels and guest speakers were scheduled. This year WI was organized sessions into strands that significantly impact education. Each of the six strands – leadership, technology, science, technology, engineering and mathematics, university, workforce development and community engagement – offered breakout sessions featuring experienced educators, industry experts and policy makers.

Session topics ran the gamut from Navigating with the Atlas of Science Literacy and Technology-Rich Teaching to Opportunities in Community Engagement and Industries that support Oklahoma Schools and Communities.

 "Today we continue our journey in deepening our knowledge 10 practices of high achieving schools. The work for all of us is challenging however the opportunities are endless," said Leslie Williams.

Jean Cate, K20 Director of University and State Partnerships and Scott McLeod, 20009 Nancy O'Brian Lectureship

Speaking of Learning

All of the keynote speakers spoke on the topic of preparing schools for the 21st century and the global workforce. Assistant Director of Student Services for Putnam City Schools Lynette Thompson spoke on closing the student achievement gap by changing the focus from teaching to learning and creating a technology rich learning community. Nancy O'Brian lecturer Scott McLeod addressed the challenge of transitioning Oklahoma Schools into the digital, global age. Oklahoma Lieutenant Governor Jari Askins spoke to the luncheon crowd about preparing for a 21st Century Workforce in Oklahoma and Attorney General Drew Edmondson congratulated the schools who completed their whole school transformation through the OETT technology to schools grants

Rewarding Innovation

Rachell Skeen and Annette Drake with K20 board members Michelle Gentry and John Kinney

The K20 Center introduced the first K20 Center Innovative Educators award sponsored by the K20 Center Board of Advisors.

Bridge Creek teachers Annette Dake and Rachell Skeen were awarded for their successful integration of technology and service learning into the classroom. One example is their work with Learn and Serve Oklahoma where the students interviewed Oklahoma veterans and submitted the films to the Library of Congress.

The teachers were each were presented with a plaque and a $750 check.

“Technology is powerful for motivating learners, but we believe it is the innovative teachers who infuse the art of teaching with the science of content and tools of technology to make learning meaningful beyond the classroom walls, into the community and into our future,” said K20 board member Michelle Gentry.

No More Snow

While hosting Winter Institute in January was a good time for educators to attend, it also seemed to create an open challenge to Mother Nature's icy side. This year the Winter Institute date has changed, as well as the name itself. The K20 Innovative Learning Institute is set for Thursday, November 12 at the Norman Embassy Suites and Conference Center. Check the conference Web site, www.K20ILI.com, for the latest updates, speaker biographies and sessions.