4th Annual Educators’ Confluence
June 14-15, 2023
Missoula, Montana
Don't miss this special event to transform your practice and replenish your resiliency.
Gather with other PreK-12 educators and school staff to learn, connect, and rejuvenate. Gain valuable strategies to support both your own and your students' resilience, well-being, and learning.
This year's event will feature:
Interactive sessions that explore critical, timely topics
Deep-dive breakouts
Ready-to-apply strategies
Quality time to connect with our expert facilitators
Daily lunch and an evening reception
14 OPI Renewal Units for Montana educators
You will leave feeling refreshed and excited about the new school year!
Why should I attend?
Because you are a PK-12 teacher, counselor, administrator, or staff member who wants to:
LEARN how to deepen your practice through critical thinking, creativity, inquiry, and literacy
CONNECT by strengthening, broadening, and deepening your connections to students, peers, self, and others.
REJUVENATE by reflecting on your practice, growing your strengths, and applying fresh ways of thinking
Location, Pricing, Airfare, & Credits
DoubleTree Edgewater Hotel
Event Location:
DoubleTree Edgewater Hotel
100 Madison Street
Missoula, Montana 59801
Discounted airfare to Missoula on Alaska/Horizon Airlines: Use the code ECME610 to receive a 5% discount when booking your flight. Good for travel from June 7-18. To use your Discount Code, go online to alaskaair.com and input the Discount Code when searching for flights.
Registration Fees:
Adults: $275.
Bring a team of 3 or more from the same school or district* and receive a 20% discount.
College students (with valid student ID): $150
*Register together to receive discount.
Montana OPI Renewal Credits: Montana educators can earn 14 OPI Renewal Units!
One 500-level University of Alaska credit: Available as a separate course registration on your own.
Featured Facilitator: Beth Buchanan
Beth Buchanan
For nearly three decades, Beth Buchanan has served communities and students through her passion for growing youth in varying capacities. Beginning in 1992, Beth spent most of her career as a classroom teacher and coach on the banks of Alaska’s Yukon River. In the last five years, Beth has turned her attention to supporting teachers and parents in creating trauma-resilient environments and developing professional and personal resilience. Beth’s personal journey of parenting adopted and fostered children with extreme behaviors – outcomes from developmental trauma – led to her quest to understand the neurobiology of behavior. This journey has guided her deep into the research of neuroscience leaders to improve mental health and performance in schools, not only for students but also educators, who often struggle with their own stressors, trauma, and juggling of roles and responsibilities. Beth has a bachelor’s degree in secondary education, a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction, and a master’s in leadership education. She also has expert knowledge in trauma-informed education, social-emotional learning, youth and adult resilience, and recent neuroscience developments concerning the healing capacity of the brain. You can expect a highly engaging learning experience that models what we know about best practices in teaching.
Expert Facilitators:
Amy McDonald
Amy McDonald has spent three decades in education in various positions, including school counselor, lead teacher, and administrative roles. She is currently the counselor at Southeast Island School district in Alaska and a certified facilitator for Brightways learning. Amy especially loves advocating for and alongside her students, as well as her educator colleagues, understanding that the well-being of teachers and administrators models self-regulation for students and is the only authentic means of providing healthy support systems for the students they collectively serve. Amy’s experience, knowledge, and skills related to neuroscience, trauma-responsiveness, and resilience-building strategies that work individually and through the school and community systems are vital elements in her adept and valued support to her students and educator colleagues alike.
David Pavish
David Pavish’s combined 20 years of experience working with youth in direct care and administration in both the private and public sectors has equipped him with a unique lens through which to see youth in Alaska and beyond. He was born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska, and has had the privilege to live in that state's rural communities, as well as Northern California. Throughout his career, the training he has received from some of the top youth and experiential education professionals in the U.S. and Canada has given him a solid understanding of what youth need to succeed. David brings a fresh perspective on supporting and guiding youth through their life and career paths; understanding that life is a journey in which growth and learning have no end
Corrie Hruby
Corrie Hruby is an Alaskan educator and administrator who loves explaining fascinating topics, making connections with interesting people, and exploring the world. Her experience as a certified teacher, adjunct professor of education at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, and administrator with IDEA and iGrad Alaska, has given Corrie a unique set of skills allowing her to work with both youth and adults. With a combined 15 years of experience in the fields of education and research, Corrie consistently brings to light new ideas and concepts.
