EdCamps are completely free professional opportunities that follow the unconference model. Edcamp is a form of unconference designed specifically for teachers and their needs.

What makes Edcamp an unconference? Unlike traditional conferences which have schedules set months in advance by the people running the conference, Edcamp has an agenda that’s created by the participants at the start of the event. Instead of one person standing in front of the room talking for an hour, people are encouraged to have discussions and hands-on sessions. Sponsors don’t have their own special sessions or tables, all of the space and time are reserved for the things the people there want to talk about. People could pay hundreds of dollars to attend another conference, or they could go to Edcamp for free.

Built on principles of connected and participatory learning, Edcamp strives to bring teachers together to talk about the things that matter most to them: their interests, passions, and questions. Teachers who attend Edcamp can choose to lead sessions on those things that matter, with an expectation that the people in the room will work together to build understanding by sharing their own knowledge and questions.

Their goal is to provide an innovative form of professional development for educators in order to improve job satisfaction, increase workforce retention, and impact student learning.

Still confused or want more info? Read "What is Edcamp?" by David Wees and/or Tom Whitby's post "Comfortable Baby Steps." You can also read here or watch this short video for more information about EdCamps.

Host: EdCamp Spartan is hosted by St. Stephen’s Episcopal School in Austin, TX. We believe there is no specific piece of technology or tool that makes a good teacher great. Educators can become great by improving pedagogy and believing in and teaching through the growth mindset.

Contact: Christy Fennewald (cfennewald@sstx.org) if any questions.

Social media: #edcampspartan

Time & Date:

• Saturday, February 18
• 9AM-1PM

Location:

• St. Stephen's Episcopal School: 6500 St. Stephen's Drive, Austin, TX 78746 (in BECKER LIBRARY)

Participants:

EdCamp Spartan is open to all educators. Topics will vary from teacher share sessions to innovative ideas. When you arrive, you will be asked to list topics you want to learn as well as topics you think you may be able to facilitate (you don’t need to be an expert, just a willing facilitator of discussion and ideas!). Participants will drive the topics for the day. So, come prepared with:

• A sweater or something warm for the classrooms
• Ideas of what you want to learn or how you can facilitate
• Readiness, openness, and excitement

Food:

Breakfast tacos, fruit, and coffee/juice will be served for attendees from 8:30-9:15AM.

Please complete this form before February 18 or before spaces fill up to attend EdCamp Spartan. We will cut off at 100 attendees. We will use your email address to send a reminder about the event as we get closer.

Date/Time: Saturday, February 18: Becker Library at St. Stephen's Episcopal School

What to bring:

• An idea/book/blog to share (and perhaps help facilitate a session)
• Phone, tablet, computer, something to take notes on.

Agenda:

8:30am: Check-in (CAFETERIA) & Free Breakfast!

9:00-9:15AM: Welcome and Session Brainstorming

Session 1: 9:30 - 10:30AM

Session 2: 10:40 - 11:40AM

Session 3: 11:45AM-12:45PM

Conclusion: 12:45-1:00PM

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