Every summer the Ohio Middle Level Association Executive Board spends three days in June at Hocking Hills for a summer workshop. This is an opportunity for the board members representing the eight regions across the state to come together to discuss our vision and plans for the year. Morning hikes, professional development, committee meetings, regional planning time, and conversations by the campfire filled our time this year. For one of the professional development activities, the OMLA board revisited AMLE’s, This We Believe: Keys to Educating Young Adolescents. Board members joined one of three groups (Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment; Leadership and Organization; Culture and Community) representing the 16 Characteristics and shared ideas/strategies for how they support the topic in their classroom/school. The many ideas shared allowed for meaningful discussions and learning. As you read through the articles in this issue of In the Middle, I hope the insights shared concerning Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment provides you with new or refreshed learning!

Be sure to mark OMLA’s Annual Conference on your calendar for November 7-8, 2019! Todd Whitaker, Dave Burgess and Jack Berckemeyer are the keynote speakers for the two days. In addition to three nationally- recognized, dynamic speakers, #OMLA2019 will feature over 100 breakout sessions presented by practicing middle level educators covering a variety of topics from social-emotional learning to technology.

Members enjoy a discounted registration fee for our annual state conference. To encourage schools to send multiple attendees, the sixth registration from a school or college/university is free! Be sure to register by October 4th to take advantage of the early registration discount.

OMLA hosts a number of regional events across the state in addition to our annual state conference. These regional events include professional development, networking, student recognition and student leadership opportunities, all of which are often provided to members at no cost! Check our website or your inbox for the next scheduled OMLA regional event in your area.

I hope to see you in Columbus November 7-8!

Nicki Bertke
President, OMLA