Seventh Annual Early Learning Conference Emphasizes Joy in Teaching

February 4, 2025

The Seventh Annual Early Learning Conference, hosted by the Imperial County Office of Education (ICOE) in collaboration with First 5 Imperial and the Early Care & Education Planning Council, took place in El Centro. The event gathered over three hundred instructors and teachers from 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., all inspired by the conference’s theme, “Teaching with Joy.” The primary aim was to provide educators with new skills and reaffirm their existing knowledge, thereby enhancing their effectiveness in the classroom. The atmosphere was charged with enthusiasm and a collective commitment to nurturing the potential of every child through joy-infused teaching methods.

A Day of Learning and Inspiration

Educators at the conference had the opportunity to participate in an array of workshops and sessions designed to improve their teaching methods and classroom environments. The event featured a range of vendors and workshops covering diverse topics, including children’s well-being, arts, science, language skills, emotional strategies, natural learning, games, self-care, and behavioral issues in the classroom. Keynote speaker Keith Pentz, an Early Years Program Consultant with 45 years of experience, delivered a compelling address that captivated the audience.

In an interview with the Imperial Valley Press, Pentz emphasized the importance of passion and compassion in the teaching profession. He described passion as the inherent drive educators possess to impart knowledge and compassion as the crucial element of nurturing and caring for students. Pentz encapsulated his teaching philosophy with the phrase “Nothing without joy,” highlighting that joy is a fundamental component of effective teaching. His insights resonated with the attendees, emphasizing that teaching goes beyond mere instruction—it involves a deep, joyous engagement with students.

Addressing Challenges in Education

Pentz’s keynote speech, “Maintaining your calm in the middle of the storm,” provided invaluable advice on how educators can maintain composure amidst the myriad challenges they face. He did not shy away from discussing the broader national turmoil affecting education today, such as funding constraints, stress, and burnout among educators. His candor about these issues was refreshing and necessary, particularly as it comes in a time where educators are often overwhelmed by an array of pressures.

Moreover, Pentz touched on the impact of his church’s involvement in immigration and deportation issues, especially pertinent in communities with high Hispanic populations. This focus brought to light the additional emotional and social burdens shouldered by teachers in such communities. The post-pandemic period has only compounded these challenges, with many experienced educators having left the profession, resulting in a shortage that affects classroom dynamics. Pentz stressed the crucial importance of understanding child development and behaviors, especially in early childhood education, to manage these dynamics effectively and support children’s holistic development.

Wellness and Emotional Strategies

Another influential speaker, Lillian Hubler Tobin, a 25-year veteran and founder of Time to Sign, shared her personal journey during the conference. She talked about the transformative impact of sign language on her son’s life and how it shaped her professional focus. Hubler Tobin’s workshops were geared towards teaching wellness directly to children, emphasizing the importance of social, emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being. She was keen to clarify that spiritual wellness is not confined to religious practices but is more about cultivating inner self-beliefs and values derived from family and ancestors.

Heather Vessey-Garcia, ICOE’s Early Care and Education Programs Coordinator and Conference Chair, shared her enthusiasm for the event’s success. With over 340 participants registered, the conference was the largest so far, a testament to the growing need and interest in such professional development opportunities. Vessey-Garcia highlighted the theme “Teaching with Joy” as a means to rejuvenate educators post-pandemic, addressing both the challenging behaviors exhibited by some children and the burnout experienced by teachers. The focus on joy was intended to help educators rediscover their passion and bring excitement back into their classrooms.

Supporting Educators Locally

Michael Castillo, ICOE’s Early Care and Education Program Senior Director, emphasized the importance of providing local opportunities for professional growth. He acknowledged that not every educator can afford to travel to larger cities such as Los Angeles or San Diego for their professional development. Therefore, organizing such conferences locally is crucial for supporting educators within their communities without imposing financial burdens. Castillo expressed gratitude and recognized the dedication of teachers working in various early childhood education settings, stressing the need for continuous support to help them flourish in their roles.

Participants of the conference also voiced their insights and appreciation for the learning opportunities. Rashaun Raymer, a teacher with Quechan Head Start, mentioned how the conference helped him recognize previously overlooked aspects of his teaching practice. Similarly, Noemi Saldaña, Early Head Start program Site Director, appreciated learning about social and emotional wellness and effective strategies to help children regulate their emotions. These perspectives underscore the value of the conference in offering practical, actionable insights that educators can immediately apply in their communities.

Refreshing Ideas and Knowledge

The Seventh Annual Early Learning Conference, hosted by the Imperial County Office of Education (ICOE), in partnership with First 5 Imperial and the Early Care & Education Planning Council, took place in El Centro. The event attracted over three hundred instructors and teachers who gathered from 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The conference’s theme, “Teaching with Joy,” inspired all attendees. The main focus was to equip educators with new skills and to affirm their existing knowledge, ultimately improving their classroom effectiveness. The atmosphere was suffused with enthusiasm and a unified dedication to nurturing every child’s potential through joyful teaching methods.

This conference has become an important event for educators in the region, offering resources, workshops, and networking opportunities that are crucial for professional growth. Participants engaged enthusiastically in various sessions that emphasized the importance of joy in teaching practices. By learning how to implement joy-infused methods, teachers are better prepared to create a positive and effective learning environment for their students. The event serves as a reminder of the significant impact that passionate and skillful educators can have on young learners, fostering a love for learning from an early age.

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