Spring Education Conference
Annual Spring Conference
Saturday, March 21, 2026 from 8:15AM - 1:00PM
A one-day professional development experience designed to inspire, equip, and empower educators through practical strategies, meaningful connection, and renewed purpose.
EVENT OVERVIEW
The University of Holy Cross Education Department proudly presents its annual Spring Conference for Educators. This engaging conference brings together educators and other professionals from across the region for a morning of learning, reflection, and collaboration focused on supporting student success and educator well-being.
Attendees will gain actionable classroom strategies, hear from an inspiring keynote speaker, and connect with local vendors who support teaching and learning.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Dr. Tamika Sorapuru Green
Executive Director of Equity and Student Support
St. Charles Parish Public Schools
Dr. Green will open the conference with an impactful keynote focused on equity, student support, and the essential role educators play in helping every student thrive.
CONFERENCE DETAILS
Date: Saturday, March 21
Time: 8:15AM - 1:00PM
Location: Moreau Center, University of Holy Cross
4123 Woodland Drive, New Orleans, LA 70131
Cost: $30 per attendee
Conference Schedule:
8:15AM - Check-In & Vendor Visits
9:00AM - Welcome, Introductions & Keynote Address
10:00AM-1:00PM – Breakout Sessions & Vendor Visits (Two different breakout sessions offered)
Vendor Showcase:
Connect with vendors from local small businesses that support teachers and education.
Discover classroom resources, tools, and services designed to help you succeed.
Featured Presentations… acquire treasures from speakers such as:
- Gayle Robert—Transform your classroom with treasured strategies in Classroom Management and learn how to build powerful student/teacher relationships and rapport from a 37-year veteran teacher who is also a nationally-certified consulting teacher for Responsive Classroom. She has served as a classroom teacher, Support Teacher Interventionist, mentor teacher and is a two-time Teacher of the Year honoree for St. Charles Parish Public Schools!
- Laurence Dupouy Chavez—Teach our treasured EL students through Content Scaffolding, EL strategies and vocabulary development as you learn from this 14-year veteran teacher who is a native of France! She is an ESL teacher leader in St. Charles Parish Public Schools who is fluent in French, English and Spanish and can help YOU to create an inclusive, supportive and empowering learning environment for students of various cultures and languages!
- Dr. Bobbie Ditcharo—One of our own UHC professors who currently serves in both the Masters program for educators and the Executive Leadership program. As an Educational Diagnostician for more than 20 years in Jefferson Parish, she will share with participants, simple but specific strategies to improve the reading and writing skills of students with special needs!
- Ty Salvant—Entrepreneur, small business owner, published author and mother of SIX children–who homeschooled all of them-she is especially skilled in all things, ‘self-care!’ She has been involved in marriage ministry for over 26 years and has conducted numerous workshops on various topics involving faith formation, time management, work/life balance and more. Come and learn the “A, B, C’s of Self Care”!
For those PURSUING or CONTEMPLATING an advanced degree… listen to and learn from our very own Alumni:
- Errolynn Summers, PhD – presenting ‘Twice Exceptional Students (2E)’
- Presenting, ‘Great Expectations: What does it take to complete a Doctorate Degree at UHC?’
- Vicky Boyd, PhD
- Tamika Green, EdD
- Gail Lazard, PhD
- Melanie Moore, EdD
- Angela Trotter, MEd
Featured Vendors… acquire treasures from business owners, school systems and health care providers such as:
- Phi Delta Kappa, a professional organization for Educators
- Placquemine Parish Public Schools
- Jefferson Parish Public Schools
- Dr. Patricia Austin, author and entrepreneur
- Ty Salvant, author and entrepreneur
- Westbank Athletic Club & Buff BQ, a fitness center AND healthy food services
Receive a FREE health screening from our very own UHC Nursing Students (SNA)!
Purchase an exclusive UHC Education Department canvas tote bag!
While they last—$12
(payment via PayPal or credit card at the Conference only!)
REGISTER TODAY
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, connect, and recharge with fellow educators.
QUESTIONS?
For additional information, please contact:
Margaret Flair
📞 504-398-2123
✉️ mherzog-flair@uhcno.edu