Whatever It Takes Conference

Teachers & Administrators:
This is the conference you've been waiting for!

Join us as we share strategies to engage your students, inspire creativity and innovation, and achieve at greater levels than ever before! Learn new ways to use technology tools and shift school/classroom culture to build the school of your dreams!
****Up to 15 Professional Development Credits are available for Illinois License Renewal****

2017 Keynote and Featured Speakers

Matt Miller, Ditch That Textbook

att Miller is a teacher, blogger and presenter from West Central Indiana. He has infused technology and innovative teaching methods in his classes for more than 10 years. He is the author of the book Ditch That Textbook: Free Your Teaching and Revolutionize Your Classroom and writes at the Ditch That Textbook blog about using technology and creative ideas in teaching. He is a Google Certified Innovator, Bammy! Top to Watch in 2016, and winner of the WTHI-TV Golden Apple Award. Onalytica named him one of the top 10 influencers in educational technology and elearning worldwide.
After trying to do the traditional “teach by the textbook” for a few years, he launched into a textbook-less path where learning activities were often custom-produced for his students as well as infused with technology. He likes the results a lot, and his students do, too.
Matt has presented to thousands of teachers at dozens of workshops on a number of topics related to educational technology, world language instruction and more. He combines a conversational, engaging speaking style with loads of resources, leaving teachers equipped and inspired to move forward.

Ricardo Castro, Teacher of the Year

Ricardo Castro was selected as the recipient of the 2017 Illinois Teacher of the Year Award by the Illinois State Board of Education. Castro teaches ESL, language arts, and Spanish for grades 9-12 at Elk Grove Village High School.

Mr. Castro has over 10 years of teaching experience. He earned a bachelor's degree in English at DePaul University and a master's degree in education from the University of Illinois at Chicago.

"Mr. Castro emphasizes biliteracy development for students, allowing them to become proficient in multiple languages that will serve them well beyond high school, " state Superintendent Tony Smith said in a news release. "The relationships he builds with students, colleagues, and familes greatly benefit the community, both within the schools and outside school walls."