Teaching With Purpose — 25 Years: The Future of STEM, Culture, and Energy

For 25 years, Teaching With Purpose has gathered educators, families, and community leaders to close the opportunity gap and put culturally relevant teaching into practice. Join us for the 17th Annual Teaching With Purpose Conference — Friday, October 9, 2026 at OMSI in Portland, Oregon.

Headline Keynotes

• Dr. Lonnie Johnson — inventor of the Super Soaker, founder of Johnson R&D, and a lifelong advocate for STEM excellence.
• Dr. Chris Emdin — USC professor, author of For White Folks Who Teach in the Hood, and founder of #HipHopEd, bringing Reality Pedagogy to the stage.

Community Energy Panel A first-of-its-kind conversation on the future of energy, workforce, and community wealth — featuring Senator Lew Frederick alongside representatives from Portland General Electric, PCEF, Energy Trust, and the Mayor’s Office.

What’s Included

• Breakfast and lunch
• DJ networking lounge
• Vendor exhibits
• OMSI museum tour
• Youth-moderated conversation
• 25 years of TWP history, community, and forward momentum

Location:
OMSI, 1945 SE Water Ave, Portland, OR 97214

Date & Time:
Friday, October 9, 2026 · 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM PT

Tags:
education, teachers, STEM, culturally responsive teaching, hip hop education, Portland, OMSI, Chris Emdin, Lonnie Johnson, K-12, community