NCTIES 2016 – Raleigh NC

Drew Minock and Brad Waid were the opening speakers for NCTIES2016 – a technology conference in Raleigh, NC. They were bright and fearless speaking of change and the immediacy for educators to ignite a love of learning in their students and to recognize that we must help prepare students for a future that looks nothing like the one we know.

Kevin Honeycutt never fails to inspire. He is passionate, genuine, and experienced in the work of meeting students where they are, believing in them, and growing their potential. This session reminded us to play, build each other up, and to create for a wider audience.

Steven Spangler had a banquet room laughing and experimenting for the closing session of NCTIES2016. He reminded us that as educators we need to support and build up our colleagues while doing the essential work of inspiring students through experiences, not lessons. He asked an important question about the meaning of the STEM education push and if it is really helping reclaim the innate proficiency of the language of Science in students. Although almost rhetorical the answer is one that is hard to find.