Courtney Bailey
University of South Carolina
USA
Courtney is an instructional designer at the University of South Carolina, where she also teaches English in the First Year English Program. With experience in both K-12 and higher education, across the United States and abroad, she champions educator agency, confidence, and reflective, learner-centered practices. Her work is grounded in purpose and shaped by humanitarian values that foster connection, empathy, and the inclusion of global voices and perspectives in education.
Featured: Teach the Student, Not the Lesson: Centering Humans in Modern Instruction
26/07/2025 02:00 UTC
In the rush to meet deadlines, cover all content, and adopt new tools, we often lose sight of the most essential part of teaching: the student. As apathy and disconnection rise, this session invites educators to pause, reflect, and reconnect. Teach the student, not the lesson explores how small shifts in presence, design, and communication can foster trust and engagement. Attendees will leave with adaptable strategies to support learner-centered, empathetic teaching across any modality.
Key takeaways:
Reflect on their teaching with a focus on understanding students’ experiences, challenges, and needs, and identify ways to strengthen connection and motivation.
Explore how meeting students where they are through trust, representation, and real-world relevance can lead to deeper interest and active learning.
Leave with ready-to-use strategies and activities that help revise class policies, communication, and lesson design to strengthen student investment, spark curiosity, and build a sense of purpose.
🟥 Panel 4: Future-Ready, World-Ready — What NextGen Learners Really Need Now
27/07/2025 07:00 UTC
In a world marked by climate urgency, tech disruption, and shifting labor markets, education must evolve to empower learners as adaptive, empathetic, and proactive global citizens. This capstone panel invites bold ideas on what it takes to prepare learners for not just employment—but for meaningful impact.
Sample topics to explore:
Youth activism and global competencies
Reimagining curriculum for future impact
Creativity and adaptability as core skills
Building sustainable, learner-centered models
Moderator: Mohamed Nabil
🟦 1:1 Talk to Expert: Well-being First: Stressed Staff? Disconnected Students? Let’s Talk About It.
26/07/2025 21:00 UTC
An open 1:1 space to unpack the real obstacles to student and teacher well-being—with expert guidance. Come talk to me.