Mississippi Association for Childhood Education International-Southern Miss Branch.

Education Forum 2007

The Mississippi Association for Childhood Education International-Southern Miss Branch held its third annual Education Forum on February 27, 200Z This year's speakers, from the Mississippi Department of Education, were Robin Miles, Director of the Office of Reading, Early Childhood, and Language Arts, and Kris Kaase, Associate State Superintendent of Education.

Week of the Classroom Teacher

The Mississippi Association for Childhood Education International-Southern Miss Branch celebrated Week of the Classroom Teacher and World Teachers' Day 2006 with a spotlight on a local (K-3) elementary school. Our Branch recognized the teachers of Oak Grove Elementary. Three of our university classes had preservice teachers engaged in field experiences at this site.

Approximately 75 teachers (K-3 and special education) were honored by presentations of goodie bags and children's books. All teachers were also provided ACEI membership brochures. A drawing took place and one professional membership to ACEI and a gift bag were given as prizes to the teachers.

Local radio stations and the local television broadcasted information and/or spots for ACEI Week of the Classroom Teacher and World Teachers' Day. Our newspaper printed an article about this special worldwide day for honoring teachers. The Governor of Mississippi sent a proclamation to pay tribute to Mississippi teachers, which our Branch highlighted.

A poster highlighting this celebration will be displayed at the Hall of Celebration during the 2007 ACEI Annual International Conference and Exhibition in Tampa, Florida.

Additional Branch Plans for the Conference

Also at the 2007 conference, members of the MsACEI-Southern Miss Branch will be involved in the following sessions:

* In Research Forum II:

"The Homework Process for 1st and 3rd Grade: Parents' and Teachers' Perceptions"--Thursday, May 3, 2007, from 1:45 p.m.-3:45 p.m.

Marilyn Larmon, Rose Jones, Marybeth Evans

* Concurrent Session:

"Critical Thinking in Teacher Education: A Driving Force in Preparing the Children of the World"--Friday, May 4, 2007, from 10:15 a.m.-11:15 a.m.

Janet Boyce, Marilyn Foxworth, Anne Sylvest, and Rose Jones.

--Rose Jones, MsACEI-Southern Miss Branch