The 2026 Inspire Conference hosted by Future Teachers of Color, a Western Michigan University registered student organization for undergraduate students of color pursuing a Pre-K-12 teaching degree. Though the conference's agenda is focused on uplifting future teachers of color, high school students interested in teaching and all interested community members are welcomed to attend.
Agenda
Friday, March 13, 2026
Timeline of events:
10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. – Arrival and Check-in
WMU Student Center, Second Floor, Ballroom A
11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. – Lunch and FTC Welcome
WMU Student Center, Second Floor, Ballroom A
12:15 p.m.-1:00 p.m. – Break Out Session 1
1:15 p.m.-2:00 p.m. – Break Out Session 2
2:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. – Social Hour
WMU Student Center, Second Floor, Ballroom A
3:15 p.m.-4:00 p.m. – Break Out Session 3
4:10 p.m.-4:45 p.m. – Presenter Q & A
WMU Student Center, Second Floor, Ballroom A
4:45 p.m.-5:00 p.m. – Closing Remarks
WMU Student Center, Second Floor, Ballroom A
Presenters
Dr. Pam Schwallier
Director of English Learner and Bilingual Programs, West Ottawa Public Schools
Dr. Celeste Shelton-Harris
Part-Time Instructor, Elementary Education, WMU
Jose Alexis Mejia
Associate Director, Equity & Community Engagement, KIA
Kevin Bautista
Teacher, Bloomingdale Middle and High School