IMEF Day 1
I’ve had the honor of organizing the counselors’ sessions for the InterMountain Educators’ Forum, a professional learning community in our two-county area, and sponsored by our local ESD. This is a three-day event that takes place June 11, 12, and 13. We will also have some additional learning opportunities throughout next school year. Today’s theme was “Connecting with our kids”.
We had the privilege of welcoming Dr. James Mason from the Office of Multicultural Health in the Oregon DHS here today. His presentation was “Preparing for Diversity: Implications for Educators”. Although turnout was a little lower than we had anticipated, Dr. Mason gave an outstanding presentation regarding the importance of talking about diversity issues in the workplace. I especially appreciated his attention to what we need here in Hermiston, Oregon. He stressed that, while it is sometimes uncomfortable talking with other people about diversity issues, it’s an important step for a healthy school and community. I first heard Dr. Mason at the Violence Prevention Summer Institute last year in Corvallis, and I thought his ideas would transfer to our side of the state really well.
Charlie Carnes from the Umatilla County Juvenile Department presented to our group in the afternoon. Charlie is a former Navy fighter pilot, and saw action during the first Desert Storm conflict. His unique approach to working with conduct disordered and adjudicated kids led to some insightful discussion throughout the afternoon. A large part of his presentation dealt with preventing drug and alcohol abuse among youth. Although I may not use those approaches in my elementary school setting, it is good to know on a professional level what ideas are being utilized out there.
Tomorrow’s theme is “Connecting with our community resources,” and will include some presentations by Child Welfare, Community Corrections, and our school resource officer.
