Pictured above: Keynote speaker, Dr. Joe Martin addressing participants.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 21, 2024
6th Annual Mix & Mingle Event Unites Over 580 Educators at Paw Paw High School
On August 21st, educators from across Van Buren County and beyond gathered at Paw Paw High School for the highly anticipated 6th annual Mix & Mingle event. Designed to inspire and engage, the event provided essential professional development as educators prepared for the 2024-2025 school year.
Since its inception in 2018, Mix & Mingle has grown into a premier platform for delivering high-quality professional development accessible to educators across the region. This year’s event brought together a diverse community of over 580 educators, all united by their shared dedication to delivering exceptional education to their students.
The event featured an impressive lineup of 111 presenters and 133 sessions, offering participants a rich selection of topics to explore. The theme, "Engage and Inspire," was woven throughout the sessions, encouraging educators to select breakout sessions aligned with their focus areas, including technology integration, literacy and math instruction, the importance of art education, and supporting students' mental health.
A highlight of the day was the keynote address delivered by Dr. Joe Martin, a renowned educational consultant and author. Dr. Martin's dynamic presentation resonated deeply with the audience, emphasizing the importance of building positive relationships with students and reigniting passion in teaching. His message of inspiration left a lasting impact on the attendees.
The success of Mix & Mingle 2024 was made possible by the unwavering support of sponsors, partners, and volunteers. The dedication of everyone involved, from the planning committee to the maintenance team, ensured a seamless experience for all participants. Special recognition was given to Van Buren ISD, Paw Paw High School, Superintendent Rick Reo, and Principal Tammy Southworth for their invaluable contributions to the event. As the day concluded, educators left empowered and equipped with new strategies to enhance student engagement and motivation in the coming school year.
About Mix & Mingle:
Mix & Mingle is a yearly event organized by Van Buren ISD that focuses on delivering top-notch professional development for educators. The event aims to create a vibrant community of educators who are motivated and passionate about achieving excellence in teaching and learning. By emphasizing inclusivity and forward-thinking approaches, Mix & Mingle unites educators from diverse backgrounds, providing a platform for them to exchange ideas, share insights, and explore best practices.
Photo Credits to Aaron VanHeest.
Melissa Corona, Director of Instructional Services, gives opening remarks. On the screen reads, Mix and Mingle 2024; Engage & Inspire.
Attendees were greeted by guitar music in the lobby.
Participants passing a sign that reads, Welcome Back To School.
Participants engaging with one another in a session that was offered.
Mix and Mingle is hosted by the Van Buren ISD Instructional Services Department. For questions or inquiries, contact Melissa Corona, Director of Instructional Services at mcorona@vbisd.org.