About

Educators are always looking for a way to connect, share, and learn from other teachers. In July 2013, a group of teachers from Downers Grove School District 58 decided to plan an event to help teachers connect while receiving free professional continuing education hours. We called it PlaydateDG58. It was a success! Teachers came from all parts of the greater Chicagoland area (and some either further) to collaborate and get excited about teaching. Many new connections were made and we decided to keep the ball rolling. In January 2014,downers hosted PlaydateDG58 Literacy Blizzard. With a special emphasis on literacy, teachers walked away feeling rejuvenated with some new ideas to put in their reading and writing tool bag.

Downers next hosted the first SAMRi Teacher Camp in July 2014. After several successful camps, District 58 began a partnership with Indian Prairie School District #204 in 2016 to organize and host future SAMRi Camps. The partnership continues today.

We are always amazed at the outstanding turnouts at our events. We are so thankful for the opportunities to connect with other teachers. We are determined to continue our quest of offering free professional education for teachers by teachers!