Fortify Conference

Strengthening Teachers and Leaders

Join us for a modern, fast-paced conference featuring micro-sessions and impactful participant conversation. Presenters will share in a narrative format and conference participants will have time to discuss the big ideas they hear. Each narrative presented will highlight a passion topic. Take advantage of this rare opportunity for collaboration among PK-12 and Higher Education professionals.

2019 Conference: "What if..."

Fortify 2019 is presented by the Ayers Institute for Learning & Innovation and sponsored by Edsouth.

The Fortify 2019 conference is TASL approved for 6 hours of professional learning credit.

Graphic with the words: What If? Fortify Education conference 2019

Make Plans to Attend!

Topics relevant to current-service, pre-service, and higher education teachers and leaders.

When: Thursday, October 3, 2019 - 8:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.
Where:  Lipscomb University's Spark Idea Center; Downtown Nashville, Tennessee
Schedule: See 2019 schedule, below on this page.
Cost:  $89.00 per person
Theme:  "What if..."

What if everything about teaching, learning and the field of education were as it could be? Let's ask bold questions, discuss powerful ideas and dream big. Let's work together to transform ideas into impact!

Take advantage of this rare opportunity for collaboration among PK-12 and Higher Education professionals.

2019 Program and Schedule

Cicely Woodard, the 2018 Tennessee Teacher of the Year, will be the emcee for Fortify 2019. The presenter lineup for Fortify 2019 will include:

Sharon Clark – Haywood County Schools, STEAM Teacher
Elandriel Lewis – United Way of Metropolitan Nashville, Manager of Early Learning Initiatives
Otis McGresham – Vanderbilt University, Prevention Educator and Victim Resource Specialist
Melissa Miller – 2019 Tennessee Teacher of the Year
Greg O’Loughlin – Executive Director of The Educators’ Cooperative

The schedule for Fortify 2019 will include:

8:30 a.m.	Registration
9:00 a.m.	Morning program: including an opening session and micro-session/discussion periods.
11:45 p.m.	Lunch
12:30 p.m.	Afternoon program: including an interactive reverse-panel and micro-session/discussion periods.
2:45 p.m.	Dismissal

Prior Conferences

Fortify: Strengthening Teachers & Leaders - Fall 2018

Fortify 2018 was presented by the Ayers Institute for Learning & Innovation and sponsored by Edsouth. Videos are available of each of the Fortify 2019 speakers and big ideas for eduction. A printable conference schedule is also available.

Watch 2018 videos

Here is a list of featured speakers from Fortify 2018.

Janet Ayers - President of the Ayers Foundation
Cicely Woodard - 2017-18 Tennessee Teacher of the Year
Dr. Jarred Amato - High School English Teacher and Project Lit Community Founder
Jerre Maynor - Director of Student Readiness, Tennessee Department of Education
Dr. Nicole Arrighi - Associate Professor, Tennessee State University
Sister Cecilia Anne Wanner - Ph.D. candidate, MTSU
Patty Thomas - Director of Career and Technical Education, Alcoa City Schools
Beth Wilson - 5th grade teacher, Red Bank Elementary School
Dr. Rachael Milligan - Managing Director, Ayers Institute for Teacher Learning and Innovation

The Fortify 2018 conference was TASL Approved for 6 hours of professional learning credit. Please help us spread the word about this education conference by downloading and printing the Fortify 2018 Conference Poster.

Fortify: Strengthening Teachers and Leaders, Fall 2017

The Fortify conference is a unique opportunity for collaboration among PK-12 and higher education professionals in Tennessee and beyond. This annual event combines expertise, experience, and knowledge from both arenas of education; strengthening the practices of both. At Fortify, we seek to build bridges between PK-12 and higher education in order to benefit both entities.

2017 Conference Theme: Learning in the 21st Century

This conference focused on learning in the modern era and provided a focus on critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity.

View Fortify 2017 schedule and session materials

Fortify: Strengthening Teachers and Leaders, Spring 2016

Conference Theme: Ensuring Rigorous Instruction for All

This conference focused on the need for increased rigor at all levels of instruction, and included an instruction-focused strand and a leadership-focused strand. Peggy Greene, Tennessee’s Principal of the Year, 2016, delivered the keynote address, and various speakers presented in breakout sessions throughout the day.

View Fortify 2016 schedule and session materials