Ed Talks is an all-new feature of the Metro Parent Education Expo, which takes place noon-3:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 30, 2018 at the Cranbrook Institute of Science in Bloomfield Hills.
Running throughout the afternoon, Ed Talks offer a dose of educational advice and inspiration from metro Detroit education experts to help you give your child an academic edge. Plus, find out about the state of education in Michigan in a panel discussion – and add your two cents to a town hall conversation with our partners at Bridge Magazine, Michigan’s award-winning source of news and analysis.
Ed Talks are non-ticketed and general admission, so arrive early to ensure a seat – and be sure to preregister for Education Expo.
Fostering Your Child’s Inner Geek
12:25-12:45 p.m.
Presented by Gary Abud, author and 2013-14 Michigan Teacher of the Year
The best way to ensure a child’s academic success is to give him or her a love of learning. Find out how to spark children’s passions, expand their horizons and tap into their inner geek – so their education goes full ‘STEAM’ ahead.
Expanding Your Child’s Reading Universe
12:55-1:05 p.m.
Presented by Elena, 10, of Farmington Hills, founder of ElenaReads.com
Kids need to see themselves in the books they read, but they also need to see different types of people, as well. Find out why connecting kids with books that embody diversity – racial, gender, socio-economic and more – can open their minds and their hearts.
Increasing Your Child’s College Savings
1:10-1:20 p.m.
Presented by Sal Vassallo, tuition financing consultant from MESP and Megan Megan Buonodono, operations manager for MET
College costs keep climbing, so how can regular families help their kids afford higher education and minimize long-term debt? Get advice from a college savings expert.
The State of Michigan Education
1:30-2:10 p.m.
Panel discussion moderated by Chastity Pratt of Bridge Magazine – featuring David Hecker, president of AFT Michigan; Sibyl Collins Wilson, president of the Michigan PTA; Amber Arellano, executive director of The Education Trust – Midwest; and Alycia Meriweather, deputy superintendent, Detroit Public Schools Community District
Did you know that Michigan’s schools are ranked in the bottom 10 states? If not, you’re not alone. Too few Michiganders know that our state is facing an educational crisis. And it’s not just underprivileged children who are underperforming compared to the rest of the nation, but also average- and higher-income students all across the state. Why? What can be done on a statewide level? And what can parents do on an individual level to help their children? Come hear what our panel of educational experts have to say.
Education Matters: A Town Hall
2:15-3 p.m.
Group discussion and question-and-answer session led by Amber DeLind of the Center for Michigan and Bridge Magazine
The Center for Michigan and Bridge Magazine bring their yearlong Michigan Truth Tour to Education Expo. As part of the tour, Bridge’s engagement team holds town halls, encouraging Michiganders to be heard and learn more about how to advocate for their children and families. Please come, be heard and be part of this very important conversation.
REGISTER for the Education Expo
There’s still time to preregister for the Education Expo to join in Ed Talks and check out dozens of local educational resources. It’s free, and it comes with a free day of fun at the Cranbrook Institute of Science. Also, the first 1,000 preregistered attendees will get free box lunches courtesy of Nino Salvaggio.
Ask questions, share your thoughts on education
We want you to be part of the conversation on schools and education. Take five minutes to tell us what you think – and what questions you would like answered.
