The IMPACT Conference was born out of a desire to bring educators together during a time of unprecedented isolation and challenge. In this episode of Highest Aspirations, Ben McNelly and Steve Sofronas join us to reflect on the journey of the conference—from its inception during the height of the pandemic to its evolution into a dynamic virtual event that continues to serve educators nationwide.

They share insights into how the conference has grown to support English learners, the importance of fostering community among educators, and the ongoing commitment to making professional development accessible for all. As we look ahead to this year’s conference, Ben and Steve discuss how the theme of “Paving the way: Strengthening spaces where EL students can thrive” aligns with Ellevation’s mission to create spaces where multilingual students can succeed.

Listen to the full episode here, and find resources referenced in the conversation below.
 

Key questions we address:

1. What inspired the creation of Ellevation’s Impact Conference, and how did it fulfill the need for community and connection during the pandemic?
2. How has the conference evolved over the years, especially in supporting educators of English learners with actionable insights and strategies?
3. What are the unique benefits of hosting a virtual conference, particularly in terms of accessibility and community engagement?

For additional episode and community resources:

• Download the transcript here.
• For additional free resources geared toward supporting English learners, ⁠visit our blog 
• To expand your connection within the Ellevation community by join our ⁠Ellevation Educator Facebook Group.