Overview of the Conference:
What are the concerns of ACIS teachers in their first five years of teaching? How do you put your teaching philosophies into practice in the classroom? How do you connect with your students? Why should you continue teaching? How do you see your future unfolding? If you would like to know the answers to these questions, then this is the conference for you! By means of discussion, networking, brainstorming, and role-playing, the leaders of this two-day conference will address these issues and more! Come enjoy the beautiful Estes Park Lake Shore Lodge Resort Conference Center and join other ACIS colleagues as we tackle these and other pertinent topics.

Who should attend?
This conference is designed for ACIS (Association of Colorado Independent Schools) teachers (grades 6-12) who are in the first five years of their career.

What is covered?
Here are some topics that are covered:

  • Addressing concerns of teachers in their first five years.
  • Connecting with your students
  • Why teach?
  • Creating and making a reality of your plans for the future

All sessions are interactive and include group discussion, small group networking, and role-playing.

Making connections with other ACIS teachers is another goal of this conference.

Where is the conference?
The conference is held at the beautiful Lake Shore Lodge Resort at the Estes Park Mountain Hotel and Conference Center. Their address is 1700 Big Thompson Ave, Estes Park, CO, 80517. They have a website for more information.

Other important information:
The conference starts Thursday, November 11, with registration at 9:30am, and it ends on Friday, November 12, at 2:00pm.

Cost to the school: $530.00/person. Registration deadline is October 1, 2010. If you need to arrive early on Wednesday to spend the night, you will have to make that reservation individually with Lake Shore Lodge.

Please refer to the Conference Leaders section of this website for more information on the four people who run the conference.

For more information or questions about anything related to the conference, please contact Bruce Collamore. He can be reached via e-mail at bcollamore@kentdenver.org or by telephone at (303) 770-7660.

2008 Attendees at the 2008 conference
Bruce Collamore (right) with attendees at the 2007 conference

Comments about the previous conferences:

"As a first year teacher, the conference helped ease the anxieties of my new profession. I was surrounded by a wonderful combination of new teachers who were experiencing the same thing as me, and experienced teachers who remembered what it was like to be me. No subjects were off limits, and the conference served as a relaxed boot-camp for the rising independent school teacher.

There was an instant camaraderie at the conference since everyone was in a similar situation. We shared experiences, troubles, ideas and laughs, and we walked away invigorated and ready to improve our craft.” Conference Attendee, 2008

“Thank you for validating me! It felt nice to get the wonderful strategies and support.” Conference Attendee, 2007

“Our teachers loved it! Providing teachers in their early years with a sense of community and a foundation of colleagues with whom they can share the joys, struggles and pleasures of teaching is priceless and keeps our profession vibrant and meaningful. It is refreshing to know that our young teachers have an experience like “Building a Foundation” to focus their attention on why teaching is such a special and meaningful career.” Bill Waskowitz, Former Head of Graland Country Day School

"The first five years of teaching are, at the same time, both exhilarating and daunting. This seminar helps young faculty to appreciate and embrace their profession and realize the enduring value of their good work. The result is improved teaching and lower attrition." Todd Horn, Head of Kent Denver School

“Our teachers appreciated the opportunity to take time out of their busy schedules to connect with other teachers in the spirit of collaboration and collegiality.  They returned from the conference with a positive perspective about the challenges of teaching, a renewed sense of commitment to the craft, and an appreciation for the work and experiences of fellow educators.  More than anything else, they were comforted by the fact that their experiences as beginning teachers were not unique.” George P. Moore, Upper School Director, Alexander Dawson School

“This workshop will nurture, challenge, and inspire teachers on their climb to mastery. Knowing Bruce Collamore, it will also invite participants to explore and celebrate the ART of teaching.” Lee Quinby, Executive Director, ACIS

“I have seen Bruce and Laurie Collamore develop into quality leaders in professional development. I hold them and their work in high regard.” David Mallery, David Mallery Seminars