The gist: More than 200 educators (201, to be precise) took over Lewis-Clark State College in Lewiston from July 30-Aug. 2 as part of the Idaho Education Association Summer Institute, hosted by the Center for Teaching and Learning.  

What’s Summer Institute?: The annual professional development event is put together by educators, for educators. It is free for IEA members — including lodging and meals — and non-members may attend for a fee. An online program is also available for educators who can’t travel to Lewiston. 

Why it’s special: Summer Institute offers a huge range of sessions taught by educators who bring their real-world experience in public school classrooms throughout the state — this year, attendees could choose between 78 different offerings. Topics ranged from behavior management to self-care for educators to union organizing ideas and well beyond.  

Summer stories: The keynote speaker got the crowd involved with the 2025 theme, “The Stories That Shape Us.” Jodi Eichelberger, a former Broadway performer and current host of Boise’s Story Story Night event, invited four educators to share their real-life experiences about the students who changed the way they teach. The educators — Carmi Scheller of the West Ada Education Association, Chase James of the Blackfoot Education Association, Pauline Smith of the Pocatello Education Association, and Pierrette Madrid of the New Plymouth Education Association — presented their tales to the crowd from the stage of LCSC’s theater, highlighting the power of story and conveying the joys and challenges of working in public education.  

Feeling FOMO?: Don’t worry — there’s always next year! Summer Institute will be back in late July 2026. Have an idea for a class? Look for a call for proposals later this year. Registration for the 2026 Summer Institute will open in the spring.  

Learn more about CTL: Take a deeper dive into the Center for Teaching and Learning’s year-round offerings by visiting CTL’s website.