16th Annual Teaching With Purpose Conference
Schedule
Fri Oct 10 2025 at 08:00 am to 05:00 pm
UTC-07:00Location
Benson Polytechnic High School | Portland, OR

About this Event
Join us for the 16th Annual Teaching With Purpose Conference - transforming education through culturally responsive pedagogy and community school approaches!
What to Expect: Experience a dynamic day of learning featuring keynote presentations, interactive Socratic seminars, and hands-on workshops designed to advance multiple literacies that matter most in today's educational landscape. This conference brings together educators, families, students, and community leaders to build equity-focused practices that transform learning outcomes.
Featured Workshop Tracks:
- Mental Health Literacy - Supporting student well-being through trauma-informed practices and SEL integration
- Economic Literacy - From participatory budgeting to cryptocurrency, exploring financial literacy that empowers communities
- Technology Literacy - Critical examination of AI's role in education, including environmental impact and digital equity
- Assessment Literacy - Culturally responsive approaches to formative and interim assessments
- Community Alignment - Student-facilitated sessions connecting district improvement plans with family engagement
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Kimberlee Armstrong, Superintendent of Portland Public Schools, will set the foundation for how advancing these literacies aligns with PPS's vision through a community school model.
Special Performances & Sessions:
- Student performances by Jeff Band and Dancers
- "Economic State of Mind" series with Blacc Sam
- Community school presentation exploring PPS-PAT collaboration
Who Should Attend: Teachers, administrators, parents, students, community advocates, and anyone passionate about educational equity and culturally responsive teaching practices.
Conference Format: All workshops model Socratic seminar methodology, encouraging critical thinking, student voice, and collaborative problem-solving. Sessions are designed to be immediately applicable in classroom and community settings.
What You'll Gain:
- Practical strategies for integrating multiple literacies across subjects
- Tools for meaningful family and community engagement
- Networks of like-minded educators committed to equity
- Resources for implementing culturally responsive practices
- Understanding of Oregon's educational standards through an equity lens
Includes: Registration includes breakfast, lunch, materials, and networking opportunities throughout the day.
Why Teaching With Purpose: Since its founding with just $89 and a vision, this conference has grown to serve nearly 600 participants annually. U.S. Department of Education officials have called it "the best conference they had ever attended." Join this transformative community committed to educational justice and student success.

Agenda
🕑: 07:30 AM - 05:00 PM
Arrive at 7:30AM FOR FULL CONFERENCE EXPERIENCE
Host: BLACC SAM
Where is it happening?
Benson Polytechnic High School, 546 Northeast 12th Avenue, Portland, United StatesEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 0.00 to USD 209.93
