Mar 16, 2021

The ABYC Foundation announced their second Educator Training Conference to be held July 20-22, 2021, in a virtual format. The “train-the-trainer” event is designed for high school and post-secondary instructors and administrators who either are teaching, or are thinking about teaching marine service in their schools, as well as boating industry leaders who want to connect with these influencers. 

“We were blown away by the sellout participation at our first educator training conference in 2019, and the industry’s support,” said Margaret Podlich, ABYC Foundation executive director. “This year’s event will be all online, offering the ability for anyone, anywhere to attend without the cost and time of travel. We’re excited to see how wide a geographic spread that creates.”

The Educator Training Conference will open July 20 with a virtual happy hour, followed by sessions on both Wednesday and Thursday, July 21-22 from 10 a.m. – 4:15 p.m. EST, with every session hosting Q&A. Based on input from marine service teachers, the agenda is designed around three main topics: professional development, industry insights and guidance for hands-on learning in the classroom. 

“Schools interested in a standards-based curriculum or trying to get more STEM into their class will learn how to do this painlessly, while networking and sharing ideas with other instructors,” said Podlich. 

The ABYC Foundation is seeking industry sponsorships at a $1,000 level, as well as donated product door prizes. Several industry publications including Boating Industry Magazine, Professional Boatbuilder Magazine and Soundings Trade Only are supporting the event by providing free subscriptions to all registrants.
 
“We hope our industry will attend and support this event,” said Podlich. “Please help us forward this information to your local high school and tech schools.” 
 
As an early-bird incentive, all who register by May 15, 2021, will receive free access to ABYC’s online learning course “Basic Marine Electrical and Corrosion Mitigation.”
 
Visit www.teachboats.org to learn more and register. Contact Podlich to learn about sponsorship opportunities at mpodlich@abycfoundation.org.