Published: July 28, 2026
2026 Summer Institute
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Monica Washington, NEA's teacher quality director, kicked off Summer Institute with a 90-minute keynote address.
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The Summer Institute keynote speech was interactive – Washington asked questions that participants answered, their responses filling the screen overhead. Some participants were selected to share out their answers with the audience assembled at LCSC's Silverthorne Theater.
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Keynote speech attendees were encouraged to share their experiences from the classroom with their seatmates.
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The crowd at Silverthorne Theater shared their own experiences during the 90-minute keynote session.
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IEA President-Elect Peggy Hoy (standing) was on mic duty during the keynote speech.
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Angie Hickman, who represents Region 9 on the IEA Board of Directors, shares her experience during Monica Washington's keynote speech.
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Carmi Scheller, who represents Region 9 on the IEA Board of Directors and also serves on the board for the Center for Teaching and Learning, gets ready for Monica Washington's keynote.
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Summer Institute participants can engage in multiple classes over four days.
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This year's theme is "Clues to Excellence," and participants receive clues every day to help them solve the "crime."
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IEA Board of Directors member Cyndi Faircloth was one of the trainers at Summer Institute. Classes are taught by educators, for educators.
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Class topics range from executive function to behavior management to using picture books during lessons and beyond.
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Classes give educators a chance to connect with their peers from throughout the state.
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IEA Board of Directors members Marta Hernandez, left, and Cassie McBean.
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