On July 18, 2023, members of MPB Education Services' Early Childhood Division, Associate Director of Education, Felicia Davis, and Training & Outreach Specialist, Keidra Hooks, attended the Mississippi Association of Career and Technical Education (MS ACTE) conference. The MS ACTE is an education association dedicated to the advancement of education that prepares youth and adults for successful careers.
The team members facilitated two teacher workshops for early childhood educators or participants who plan to join the early childhood profession. The two workshops presented were Back to School: Preparing for Success and The Way I Feel.
Additionally, the Mississippi Head Start Association (MHSA) invited MPB’s Early Childhood team to the Mississippi Early Childhood Education Conference (MECEC). The MECEC is one of the largest early childhood conferences in the south. The conference invites educators and administrators to view presentations and exhibits; plus explore new trends and research within the early childhood field. On Tuesday, July 25, 2023, Davis presented at 8:00 a.m. and on Wednesday, July 26, 2023, Hooks and Harvey presented at 2:00 p.m. During each presentation, the Early Childhood Division shared educational resources and information about the programs and services offered within MPB’s Education Services’ department. As a presenter Hooks said she, “Informed registrants of all the programs and initiatives we have in early childhood, such as Teacher Workshops, MPB Library Literacy Tour, MPB Kids Club, and Parents Are Teachers Too.” Hooks explained, “Our session informed teachers throughout the state of the great supports, resources, and programs that PBS and MPB Education Services offer schools, teachers, and students.”
On Wednesday, Harvey discussed the secondary programs and virtual learning services offered within MPB Education Services’ department. Programs, such as Workforce Wednesday, MPB Student Council, MPB Classroom TV, Digital Education Network (DEN) and e-Learning. Harvey conveyed how the MHSA conference builds relationships with educators and families. “Attending the MS Early Childhood Education Conference benefits the MPB Education Services department because it provides an opportunity to network and inform teachers of the boots-on-the-ground programs that we offer. It is also a gateway to connect these programs to the school systems, students, communities, and families across the state.” After their presentations on Wednesday, MPB’s very own edutainment character, Ed Said, made a special appearance and took photos with audience members.
Door prizes were issued at both conferences. Lucky participants had the chance to receive an MPB book bag, an umbrella, a lunch bag, a charging block, hand sanitizer, and a large presentation board for their classroom.