Wednesday, October 21, 2015

National Public Educator Forum Fifth Annual Conference another Success!

This summer, the fifth annual 9-1-1 NPEF Conference took place right outside of Denver in Golden, Colorado. With nearly 100 attendees representing 15 different states including Canada, this event was a testament to how valuable public education is to all who participated. Throughout the four-day event, attendees were able to gain insight on a variety of topics presented by peers within the public education industry.

Public educators learned about the Ripple Effect from Steve Harper and how strengthening the power of connections can change your life and impact others. They also learned about age group characteristics and the Five Step Process from Marsha Giesler. Giesler was a huge hit at the Illinois conference which is why she was brought back this year to help share even more of her amazing public education tips!

Other sessions included Text to 9-1-1, Mobile Learning Units and Cultivating Relationships with Elected Officials. Throughout the conference, attendees had many opportunities to network and share various public education ideas that ranged from those who had budgets to those who had no budgets at all.

Below are a few tips worth sharing from the conference:

·         “Skillful instructors: are prepared and practiced; use a variety of teaching methods; keep the audience involved.”  Marsha Giesler, Downers Grove FD

·         “Use college students as volunteers in your pub ed program – they normally require community service project credits to graduate.”   Ashley Klco, North Central College

·         “We live in a fast-paced world. Your message should be concise, relevant, include photos (if possible), and informational, or inspirational, or FUNNY!” Susan Rodriguez, City of Plano PSC

For more ideas, tips or information on what was presented at the NPEF Conference or for more information on next year’s conference in Frisco (Dallas), Texas, please go to: www.911npef.org.

NPEF attendees participating in the Think Outside the Box Session

NPEF staff hanging with Miss Jamie!

NPEF staff with the fabulous Cell Phone Sally!

Cell Phone Sally posing with opening speaker
Sheriff Jeff Shrader of Jefferson County