The Association of Teacher Educators – Kansas (ATE-K) held its first in-person conference since the COVID-19 pandemic on April 4. ATE-K President Alan English noted that face-to-face events tend to engage participants more than virtual ones. He emphasized that when educators gather, they naturally focus on pedagogy—the methods and practice of teaching.

ATE-K partners with national and local professional organizations to support research sharing and professional development for educators across Kansas. English explained that the organization helps teachers stay current with the latest research and best practices in education. He described effective teaching as both an art and a science, highlighting that many presenters shared research and real-world insights to help others improve their craft.

The event featured keynote speaker Elizabeth Anstine, the 2025 Kansas Teacher of the Year from Leavenworth High School. She stressed the importance of mastering subject content, building student relationships, and tailoring instruction to individual needs.

The conference also included breakout sessions with academic papers, posters, and pre-publication research. ATE-K Vice President Dr. Amanda Licht highlighted the variety of topics, including AI in education, biography-driven instruction, and literacy, and praised the event for fostering collaboration and connection among educators.