GE FoundationDeveloping Futures™ in Education Summer Conference
The GE Foundation Developing Futures™ in Education Summer Conference brings together teachers, administrators, business leaders and community members from Developing Futures school districts to foster new connections and preparations for the school year ahead. The annual, weeklong event is hosted by GE Foundation in Orlando, Florida, and is designed to be informational as well as inspirational.
Each year, conference activities and speakers are organized around a central theme meant to motivate attendees to advance their programs. This year, the central theme was learning and leadership. Mike Rutherford, founder of Rutherford Learning Group, presented the learning model called, Systemic Reflection on Leadership for Teaching and Learning, which helps participants improve the capacity of all leaders as well as design strategic plans to enhance leadership in district schools.
The summer conference utilizes the best resources available and creates an agenda that introduces participants to speakers who are international education experts, case studies and opportunities for self-discovery. The activities draw on the diverse backgrounds of the participants to share expertise and collaborate on ways to better address the critical challenges they face.
The Developing Futures Summer Conference is the largest annual event hosted by GE Foundation to support its Developing Futures in Education program. During the week prior to the conference in 2009, the National Science Teacher’s Association (NSTA), GE Foundation and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) planned and provided a workshop for middle school teachers on teaching science, specifically earth and space.
Both events are examples of how GE Foundation supplements the financial aspect of its grants, with expertise and resources to strengthen the overall impact of the Developing Futures in Education program.