On February 22nd, the Telesis Academy of Science and Math buzzed with energy and excitement as the venue for the 2025 Empowered Learning Conference. The event drew a dynamic mix of Cotsen alumni, current fellows, mentors, administrators, and a diverse group of educators from various schools and districts with the theme of “Fostering Joy, Innovation, and Connection for Deeper Learning.” This inclusive gathering served as a platform to celebrate the exceptional achievements and continuous efforts of Cotsen alumni educators while extending its impact beyond the immediate Cotsen community to the broader educational community. The conference was a testament to the Cotsen Foundation for the ART of TEACHING’s commitment to nurturing the development of excellent teachers.
The event kicked off with a thought-provoking keynote by Dr. Scott McLeod, a professor of Educational Leadership at the University of Colorado Denver. Dr. McLeod, who is renowned for his contributions to deeper learning and educational technology, shared insights from his work, including the 4 Shifts Protocol, which provides a framework for designing more dynamic and impactful learning experiences. His discussion focused on how educators can integrate deeper learning into elementary education, leaning into cognitive complexity and promoting student agency, authentic work, and rich technology integration.
Throughout the Empowered Learning Conference, attendees had the opportunity to choose from a variety of sessions showcasing a range of innovative teaching strategies. Topics included enhancing student discussions on identity and equity, fostering enthusiasm for writing among primary students, especially multilingual students, and using primary sources to develop critical thinking and deeper connections to literature. Additional sessions focused on creating inclusive and joyful learning environments, integrating storytelling into math lessons to make them more accessible for special education students, and exploring the impact of family engagement on student success. These sessions represented the conference’s focus on practical educational innovations and served as a platform for Cotsen educators to share experiences, learn from each other, and strengthen their professional networks.
As the conference concluded, the consensus among attendees was clear: it sparked new ideas, rekindled passion, and strengthened their professional connections. The Cotsen Foundation for the ART of TEACHING once again demonstrated that by coming together, educators could inspire significant changes in the educational landscape, making learning a joyful, innovative, and deeply connected experience.