Sir Ken Robinson refers to himself as a teacher and adviser, someone who unlocks the creative energy of people and organizations. Known as the most-watched speaker in TED’s history, Robinson is an expert on creativity and innovation for education, and he will deliver the keynote address at the fourth annual Better Together: California Teachers Summit.

The California Teachers Summit will be held at 31 locations around California, including Fresno State, and Robinson’s talk will be livestreamed from California State University, Fullerton to each site.

Fresno State is expecting over 300 K-12 teachers from the Central Valley at the summit from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Friday, July 27, at the Henry Madden Library Table Mountain Rancheria Reading Room.

Led by teachers, for teachers, the summit is an opportunity for teachers to come together to collaborate, re-energize ahead of the new school year and be a part of a teacher network.

This year’s theme is “It’s Personal: Meeting the Needs of Every Student.” The summit enables teachers to personalize their learning by choosing their own professional development paths and sharing strategies that consider different learning styles.

“Teachers have always known that every student learns differently,” said Kristen Soares, president of the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities. “In today’s rapidly evolving world, giving students a voice in their learning is essential to their success, both in the classroom and in life.”

Following Robinson’s keynote, Fresno State will feature on-site TED-style Ed Talks led by Central Valley teachers who will share strategies they have used to increase student engagement. The first talk will be presented at 9:50 a.m. by Mario Gonzalez, Kings County 2017 Excellence in Education Teacher of the Year. Gonzalez has taught at Lemoore Union High School for 24 years as a ceramics teacher, coach and adviser, adding creativity, love, encouragement and dynamic energy to all of his lessons.

The second talk at noon will be held by Alice Keeler, a Google-certified innovator and expert in EdTech integration. Keeler will focus on technology and how paperless is not a pedagogy.

“As a leader in preparing teachers to serve California’s diverse communities, the CSU is proud to participate in the California Teachers Summit,” said Loren Blanchard, executive vice chancellor for academic and student affairs at the CSU. “This one-day training — by and for teachers — allows them to build upon their expertise and develop strategies, tools and a strong support system that will serve them and their students well beyond the summit.”

For more information, visit www.cateacherssummit.com or contact Sam Ray at 949.292.3232.