KAIRS K-12 Teachers Conference August 2

K-12 teachers  gathered at Botanica Gardens on the second day of the KAIRS 8th Annual Teachers Conference, "Growing Motivated Learners. Adding New Skill Sets to Help Students Bloom." 

  • Keynote Speakers Andrew McPeak and Nautrie Jones (right) visit Botanica's Chinese Garden of Friendship with Michelle Bolin - conference coordinator,

    Keynote Speakers Andrew McPeak and Nautrie Jones (right) visit Botanica's Chinese Garden of Friendship with Michelle Bolin - conference coordinator,

  • Artist Sean Kenny created this

    Artist Sean Kenny created this "Goldfinches" lego sculpture and used 2,875 pieces. This was part of the NATURE CONNECTS®: ART WITH LEGO® BRICKS display hosted by Botanica in summer 2019.

  • Friday Keynote Andrew McPeak presented "Generation Z Unfiltered: Facing 3 Hidden Challenges in Today's Youngest Population."

  • Breakout speaker, Amanda Hadley, presented

    Breakout speaker, Amanda Hadley, presented "Creation Apps for Elementary Classrooms."

  • Breakout Speaker Darren Couch (left) joined Kansas teachers for Andrew McPeak's presentation.

    Breakout Speaker Darren Couch (left) joined Kansas teachers for Andrew McPeak's presentation.

  • Ryan Malone shared his butterfly habitat cage terrarium in his breakout session,

    Ryan Malone shared his butterfly habitat cage terrarium in his breakout session, "Supporting Native Pollinators Inside and Outside the Classroom."

  • Malinda Evans, KAIRS Distinguished Teacher 2019 for Christian Schools, presented breakout,

    Malinda Evans, KAIRS Distinguished Teacher 2019 for Christian Schools, presented breakout, "Exceptional Learning: All-Access Pass for Teachers & Students."

KAIRS K-12 Teachers Conference 2019 August 1

K-12 teachers from across Kansas gathered at Botanica Gardens in Wichita for the "Growing Motivated Learners" conference on Thursday, August 1.   

  • Keynote Speaker Nautrie Jones, opened the conference with her presentation,

    Keynote Speaker Nautrie Jones, opened the conference with her presentation, "Marching Off the Map: Connecting With Today's Student in the Classroom."

  • Botanica's sculpture,

    Botanica's sculpture, "Playmates" is one of three striking sculptures in the Butterfly Garden.

  • Michelle Bolen, Conference Coordinator; Nautrie Jones, Keynote Speaker; Corey Reese, KAIRS Communications Director; and Malinda Evans, Conference Breakout Speaker, toured Botanica Gardens, which hosted the conference.

    Michelle Bolen, Conference Coordinator; Nautrie Jones, Keynote Speaker; Corey Reese, KAIRS Communications Director; and Malinda Evans, Conference Breakout Speaker, toured Botanica Gardens, which hosted the conference.

  • Laurie Nichols, Children's Garden Director & Educator with Botanica, lead a breakout session out in the garden grounds.

    Laurie Nichols, Children's Garden Director & Educator with Botanica, lead a breakout session out in the garden grounds.

  • Amanda Hadley, Lower School Technology Integration Specialist at The Independent School of Wichita, presented a popular breakout session,

    Amanda Hadley, Lower School Technology Integration Specialist at The Independent School of Wichita, presented a popular breakout session, "Stop Motion Animations for Beginners."

  • Darren Couch, AP Computer Science, Engineering, Robotics Teacher at The Independent School of Wichita, presented his breakout session,

    Darren Couch, AP Computer Science, Engineering, Robotics Teacher at The Independent School of Wichita, presented his breakout session, "Creative Possibilities with Lasers."