Highlights from the 2007 IB North America Annual Regional Conference

From 12-15 July 2007 over 1,000 people gathered in Chicago for IB North America’s 26th annual regional conference. Brad Richardson, IB North America's Regional Director, began proceedings by inviting participants to "breathe in" the best memories of the year and "breathe out" all their frustrations. The conference was entitled "Educating for Our Shared Future," and attendees were challenged and inspired by four keynote speakers.

Starting the event was kindergarten teacher Kim Oliver, who was awarded the title of United States National Teacher of the Year in 2006. She delivered a passionate appeal to make sure every child receives the three E's—equal opportunity, early childhood education and excellent teachers. Kim urged us all to collaborate, to provide resources and to involve the local community in order to overcome the obstacles of poverty, race, language and mobility.

The conference then went on to welcome Stephen Lewis, one of Canada’s most distinguished humanitarians, who urged the audience to help the less fortunate in developing countries in his keynote address. He was followed by Jean-François Rischard, a former World Bank vice president for Europe and author of the book, High Noon: 20 Global Problems, 20 Years to Solve Them who challenged us to consider networks like the IB as true agents of change in the face of the urgent need to address major global issues. Both speeches gave a good context to the IB community theme, "Sharing Our Humanity".

The conference ended with a speech from Marion Pittman-Couch. Marion retires this year after a magnificent 37 year career in education as a secondary school teacher and administrator. Her stirring speech reminded everyone present why teaching is one of the world's most important professions.

As well as the keynote speakers, the conference also featured over 90 smaller sessions and over 130 presenters and ended with a closing celebration on Saturday night, which took place in the great hall of the Field Museum of Natural History.

Over a quarter century, the conference has become a true meeting place for mind and spirit, a chance to celebrate our community and to learn from each other. As we "breathe in" the memories of Chicago, we "breathe out" and begin to prepare for our next year, when the conference moves to San Francisco from 17-20 July 2008.