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

Earn 1 Graduate Credit + 10 PDUs

Conference attendees can register for 1 graduate credit through Portland State University's College of Education (TOP: Teaching with Purpose Conference — CI 810, CRN 10599, Fall 2026), equal to 10 PDUs toward Oregon license renewal. Credit registration is optional and separate from your conference ticket; tuition is paid directly to PSU, and first-time PSU registrants pay a one-time $25 non-degree fee. Registration forms will be available at the conference — completed forms go to [email protected].

25 years of impact. The 17th Annual Teaching With Purpose Conference at OMSI — two keynotes, a community energy panel, STEM + culture.

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 — co-author (with Lisa Delpit) of the new book The Sacred Art of Teaching, 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

• 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