NEWS
On Saturday, March 7, educators from across Oklahoma packed the University of Oklahoma Jeannine Rainbolt College of Education for the 2026 KEY (Keep Educating Yourself) Conference—an energetic half-day dedicated to learning, collaboration, and professional rejuvenation. From 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., PreK through 12th grade teachers arrived ready to exchange ideas, explore new instructional strategies, earn Continuing Education Units (CEUs), and reconnect with the shared purpose that fuels their work.
This conference, led by members of the instructional leadership and academic curriculum department, offers a mix of research-based sessions and hands-on experiences designed to spark curiosity and support classroom practice. The result was a lively, hopeful atmosphere in which teachers could step away from the pressures of the school year and immerse themselves in meaningful learning.
The event culminated with a keynote address from acclaimed author Daniel Nayeri, whose own story has inspired readers worldwide. Born in Iran, he immigrated to Oklahoma at age seven. Nayeri has become one of the most celebrated voices in young people’s literature. His award-winning body of work includes “Everything Sad Is Untrue (A True Story),” a Printz Award–winning autobiographical novel, as well as “The Many Assassinations of Samir, the Seller of Dreams,” a Newbery-award winner. His most recent book, “The Teacher of Nomad Land,” was awarded the 2025 National Book Award for Young People’s Literature.
Drawing from his life experiences and writing, Nayeri offered reflections—painted in broad, universal themes—on storytelling, identity, and the role educators play in shaping a child’s sense of possibility. While his remarks touched gently on the importance of compassion, resilience, and listening deeply to the world around us, what resonated most was his reminder that every student carries a story worth honoring.
The day started with participants dispersed into breakout sessions that showcased the expertise and creativity of Oklahoma educators and university partners. Sessions such as Using AI to Support Differentiated Literacy Instruction and Critical AI Literacy: Three Student Investigations invited teachers to explore the opportunities—and responsibilities—of integrating emerging technologies thoughtfully into instruction.
Others focused on strengthening academic engagement through human-centered teaching. Increasing Motivation in Secondary Mathematics provided practical strategies to help students persist with challenging content. At the same time, Fostering Good Talk: Building a Dialogic Classroom highlighted routines that encourage students to listen, respond, and think collaboratively.
Hands-on sessions added an element of joy and play to the morning. Teachers rolled up their sleeves in Cooking Up Good Models for Fraction Operations, experimenting with creative, concrete ways to help students visualize mathematical relationships. Meanwhile, From Notebook to Knowledge: Nature Journaling for Experiential Learning took participants outside of traditional academic frames, demonstrating how observation and sketching can deepen inquiry across disciplines.
By early afternoon, attendees left with fresh ideas, new connections, and a renewed sense of purpose. More than a conference, KEY 2026 served as a reminder of the strength and dedication within Oklahoma’s teaching community—and of the power of educators who, always, continue to educate themselves.
About the University of Oklahoma
Founded in 1890, the University of Oklahoma is a public research university located in Norman, Oklahoma. As the state’s flagship university, OU serves the educational, cultural, economic and health care needs of the state, region and nation. For more information about the university, visit www.ou.edu.
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