February 4th, 2025

Breakfast

7:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m.

Room: Galleria I, II, III

Welcome & Opening

8:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.

• Room: Galleria I, II, III
  

Insights from the Research: Exploring Teacher Preparation Pathways

8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.

Experts from lead researchers to include, but are not limited to Texas Tech, Learning Policy Institute, and the Education Policy Initiative at Carolina will share key findings from their research on teacher preparation pathways, including residencies. Dive into the latest data and evidence, uncover trends, and discuss how these insights can inform and strengthen teacher preparation programs. This session will provide valuable takeaways for educators, policymakers, and program leaders committed to advancing teacher quality and retention.

Breakout Session Choices: Deepening Your Residency Knowledge

9:45 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. | See breakout schedule

• Dive into focused breakout sessions tailored to your interests and needs in teacher preparation. Participants will choose one of the engaging sessions.
  

Voices from the Field: Resident Perspectives

11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Gain valuable insights from the experiences of current residents navigating yearlong teacher preparation programs. This panel features diverse voices from residents who will share their journeys, challenges, and successes as they balance rigorous academic expectations with in-classroom practice. Hear firsthand how residency programs are shaping their skills, confidence, and readiness for the teaching profession, and discover actionable strategies for supporting aspiring educators in your own programs.

Lunch

12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Breakout Session Choices: Advancing Teacher Preparation through Research, Innovation, and Collaboration

1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. | See breakout schedule

Explore a variety of focused breakout sessions designed to share cutting-edge research, innovative practices, and actionable strategies in teacher preparation. Participants may select one of the sessions linked above.

Breakout Session Choices: Building Capacity and Elevating Teacher Pathways

2:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m. | See breakout schedule

Explore a variety of focused breakout sessions designed to share cutting-edge research, innovative practices, and actionable strategies in teacher preparation. Participants may select one of the sessions linked above.

Reflection & Closure

3:30 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.

Room: Galleria I, II, III

• As we wrap up the first day of the US PREP Learning Tour, join us to reflect on key insights, celebrate progress, and look ahead to Day 2. This session will include a brief recap of highlights, an opportunity to share takeaways, and guidance on preparing for tomorrow’s agenda.
  

Team Time

4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

• Participants gather in teams to reflect on learnings, discuss implications for their own institutions, and plan how to apply new insights.
• Team Time Rooms List
  

February 5th, 2025

Breakfast

7:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m.

Room: Galleria I, II, III

School Site Visits (Optional) 

8:00 a.m. - 12:00 a.m.

Participants will have the opportunity to observe firsthand how school districts are implementing innovative teacher preparation models and strengthening partnerships with universities. School visits will focus on key strategies like strategic staffing, paraprofessional pathways, residency programs, and Grow Your Own initiatives.

Breakout Session: Choice Breakout Sessions   
8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | See breakout schedule

For participants not attending the school site visits, we offer a variety of engaging morning session options.



Lunch

12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Room: Galleria I, II, III

Recognitions & Conference Closure, Room: Galleria I, II, III

12:45 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Join us for the final moments of the conference as we celebrate the achievements and contributions of our participants and partners. During this session, we will recognize outstanding efforts in advancing teacher preparation, strategic staffing, and residency models. We’ll also reflect on key takeaways from the conference and discuss next steps for continuing our collective work in shaping the future of teacher preparation. This closing session will provide an opportunity to connect, share final thoughts, and set the stage for ongoing collaboration.

Team Time

1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Participants gather in teams to reflect on learnings, discuss implications for their own institutions, and plan how to apply new insights.

Optional: Attend Houston HEART convening

HEART Convening, Room: Westchester

1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Room: Bellaire

Houston HEART brings together leaders from educator preparation programs and Houston-area community colleges to align their efforts in creating seamless, high-quality teacher preparation pipelines. The initiative focuses on removing barriers that hinder students from progressing through their Associate of Arts in Teaching (AAT) and teacher certification programs by addressing critical challenges in policy, advising, and transfer processes. HEART participants also utilize HB 8 funding and modeling to optimize resource allocation, shape funding opportunities, and advocate for scholarships that increase access. By uniting organizational strategies and financial supports, HEART seeks to establish scalable and sustainable systems that prepare and retain  effective educator workforce for Houston-area schools. To Access Agenda Click Here