Teacher speaker series returns to North Clay

Paul Harbour

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The idea for the series came from Harbour's time as an undergrad at Indiana State University in the English Department's Always On Friday.

"While a student at ISU, I noticed the constant research and study of many of the Professors," Harbour said. "These passions came up during the Friday series, I wanted to bring the same concept to my colleagues."

The sixth-grade Language Arts teacher at North Clay Middle School, wanted to give the teachers a time to interact and work together, to discuss matters in the classroom and out.

"I wanted a program that would encourage the research that my colleagues do while allowing an outlet for them to share what they love and enjoy," Harbour said.

Teaming up with seventh grade English teacher at North Clay Middle School, Jennifer Mishler, the duo has dreams for the series.

"What started as ten or twelve teachers getting together before school and bloomed into 40 people coming together after school for a relaxing discussion," Mishler said.

"We want it to get bigger," she said. "With members of the public coming in to listen."

Though the speakers will only be public educators with credentials, residents are asked to come and take part in discussion that centers around the topic.

"We want a place where people can share what they are passionate about, instead of being complacent to requirements and codes," Harbor said.

The next speaker in the series is Indiana State University Professor Laura Bates on Oct. 20 at the North Clay Middle School Media Center.