The 2026 Inspire Conference hosted by WMU' Future Teachers of Color RSO is for undergraduate students of color pursuing a Pre-K-12 teaching degree and high school students of color interested in teaching. The community is welcomed to attend, but the conference's agenda is focused on uplifting future teachers of color.
Agenda
Saturday, February 21, 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