Event Overview

Join educators from across the nation for this transformative two-day professional development summit focusing on culturally responsive teaching practices and digital innovation. This hybrid event offers the flexibility to participate in-person in Chicago or virtually from anywhere in the world. Earn 12 Professional Development Hours (PDH) while learning from renowned education experts, participating in hands-on workshops, and networking with fellow educators.

Event Information

  • Dates: Saturday-Sunday, March 22-23, 2026
  • Time: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM CST (both days)
  • Format: HYBRID – Choose your experience:
    • 🏢 In-Person: Chicago Marriott Downtown
      540 N Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611
    • 💻 Virtual: Live streaming via Zoom
      (Link provided upon registration)
  • Capacity:
    • In-Person: 200 educators
    • Virtual: 500 educators
  • Registration Fees:
    • In-Person Regular: $299
    • Virtual Regular: $179

Summit Schedule – Day 1 (March 22)

8:00 – 8:30 AM Registration & Continental Breakfast (In-Person) / Virtual Check-in Opens
8:30 – 9:00 AM Welcome & Opening Ceremony (Livestreamed)
9:00 – 10:30 AM Keynote: Dr. Geneva Gay – “Culturally Responsive Teaching: Theory to Practice” (Livestreamed)
10:45 AM – 12:00 PM Breakout Sessions Round 1 (Choose One):

  • A1: Building Inclusive Classroom Communities (Hybrid)
  • A2: Technology Tools for Differentiated Instruction (Virtual Only)
  • A3: Trauma-Informed Teaching Practices (In-Person Only)
  • A4: Parent Engagement Strategies (Hybrid)
12:00 – 1:00 PM Lunch Break & Networking (Virtual Networking Rooms Available)
1:00 – 2:30 PM Panel Discussion: “Equity in Education Post-Pandemic” (Livestreamed)
2:45 – 4:00 PM Hands-On Workshop Sessions (Separate tracks for in-person and virtual)
4:00 – 4:30 PM Day 1 Reflection & Virtual Social Hour

Summit Schedule – Day 2 (March 23)

8:00 – 8:30 AM Morning Mindfulness Session (Optional – Hybrid)
8:30 – 10:00 AM Keynote: Dr. Christopher Emdin – “Reality Pedagogy and Urban Education” (Livestreamed)
10:15 – 11:45 AM Breakout Sessions Round 2 (Choose One):

  • B1: Social-Emotional Learning Integration (Hybrid)
  • B2: Assessment for Learning in Digital Spaces (Virtual Only)
  • B3: Restorative Justice Practices (In-Person Only)
  • B4: STEM Equity and Access (Hybrid)
11:45 AM – 12:45 PM Lunch & Learn: Resource Fair (Virtual Exhibitor Hall Available)
12:45 – 2:15 PM Action Planning Workshop: “Taking It Back to Your School” (Hybrid)
2:30 – 3:30 PM Closing Keynote: “The Future of Education” (Livestreamed)
3:30 – 4:30 PM Certificates, Closing Remarks & Networking

Virtual Attendance Features

  • 🖥️ HD live streaming of all keynotes and main sessions
  • 💬 Interactive Q&A with speakers via chat
  • 👥 Virtual breakout rooms for small group discussions
  • 📱 Mobile-friendly platform – attend from any device
  • 🎥 Session recordings available for 30 days post-event
  • 📊 Digital resource library with all presentation materials
  • 🤝 Virtual networking lounges organized by grade level/subject
  • 🎮 Gamified engagement with prizes for participation

In-Person Attendance Includes

  • ☕ Continental breakfast and lunch both days
  • 📚 Summit swag bag with educational resources
  • 🎯 Hands-on workshop materials
  • 🏨 Special hotel rate at venue ($139/night)
  • 🚗 Validated parking at venue
  • 📸 Professional development photo for LinkedIn
  • 🤝 Face-to-face networking opportunities

Continuing Education Credits

Professional Development Hours: 12 PDH credits available

Graduate Credit Option: 1 graduate credit available through partner university (additional $125)

Certificates: Digital certificates provided immediately upon completion

Technical Requirements for Virtual Attendance

  • Stable internet connection (minimum 5 Mbps recommended)
  • Computer, tablet, or smartphone with camera and microphone
  • Latest version of Zoom client installed
  • Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge browser for virtual exhibit hall

Registration & Zoom Access

Registration Deadline: March 19, 2025 (or when capacity is reached)

Virtual Access: Zoom links and passwords will be emailed 48 hours before the event

Tech Check Session: Optional tech check on March 21, 2025 at 4:00 PM CST

Contact Information

Dr. Michael Thompson, Professional Development Director
Email: pd@wearerootededu.com
Phone: (872) 237-2094 ext. 205
Virtual Help Desk: (872) 237-2096 (during event hours)

  • Date : September 30, 2025
  • Time : 8:00 am - 4:00 pm (America/Chicago)
  • Venue : Chicago Marriott Downtown 540 N Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611

Add To Calendar

Organizers

Jasmine Bethea