EmpowerEd Weekend
A weekend learning experience where Michigan educators come together to deepen practice, share innovation, strengthen communities, and shape the future of education.
What is EmpowerEd Weekend?
EmpowerEd Weekend is TeachMichigan’s signature convening for educators across the state. The event brings together teachers, school leaders, policy advocates, and education partners to learn from one another and advance solutions that strengthen Michigan’s education system.
Through interactive sessions, educator storytelling, and collaborative problem solving, EmpowerEd Weekend highlights the brilliance of Michigan educators and the impact they are making in classrooms and communities every day.
The Experience
| Educator-Led Sessions | Collaborative Learning | Student Voices | Inspiration and Storytelling | Systems Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interactive workshops and conversations facilitated by expert Michigan educators showcasing best-in-class practices, classroom strategies, and leadership insights from their work in schools and communities. | Opportunities for educators from within and across Michigan schools to connect, exchange ideas, and learn from one another’s experiences. These conversations build lasting relationships and strengthen a statewide network of educator leaders. | A powerful highlight of the weekend is the opportunity to hear directly from students. Through performances, poetry, storytelling, and creative presentations, students share their voices and talents, reminding us why this work matters and celebrating the brilliance of Michigan’s young people. | Educators and community leaders share powerful stories of impact, leadership, and innovation that are helping shape the future of Michigan’s education system. | TeachMichigan is committed to driving impact beyond individual classrooms. Through EmpowerEd Weekend, educators explore how to strengthen systems, influence practice, and advance innovation across schools and communities throughout Michigan. Together, this work builds momentum toward a stronger education system. One classroom, one school, and one community at a time. |
Theme:
Make It Count: Every Child. Every Day.
Every day, Michigan educators make choices that shape the future of their students. This spring’s theme highlights the moments, actions, and commitments that help students succeed, inside classrooms, across schools, and throughout communities.
Event Details
- Event Dates: May 1st & 2nd
- Location: Traverse City, MI
Event Schedule
Agenda & Session Details
Friday, May 1
| Time/ Session Focus | Session Description | Who? |
|---|---|---|
| 6:00pm-7:30pm District Time | District Time provides dedicated space for teams to align, reflect on learning, and plan how to apply key insights to support Every Child, Every Day in their schools and communities. | Educators and their respective district leaders |
| 7:30pm-11:00pm | Come mix and mingle with the entire TeachMichigan community. Heavy hors d'oeuvres and drinks will be served. | Designed for all TeachMichigan community members, including school partners, educator champions, and staff. |
Saturday, May 2
| EmpowerEd Day | ||
|---|---|---|
| Time | Session Focus | Session Description |
| 7:00am- 8:20am | Registration | |
| 7:00am- 8:00am | Breakfast (optional) | Join us as we enjoy breakfast and build community. |
| 8:15am- 8:45am | Keynote | We will kick off our day of learning with a charge from our keynote speakers. |
| 8:45am - 9:00am Transition Time to Cohorts Sessions |
||
| 9:00am -12:00pm | District Leader/ Fellow Cohort Time | Educators and leaders will spend time building community and learning alongside each other in their specific cohorts. |
| 12:00pm - 12:15pm Scaffolded Transitions to Lunch by Cohort |
||
| 12:15pm - 12:45pm | Lunch | Grab lunch and get to know other fellows in TeachMichigan! |
| 12:45pm - 1:00pm Transition to Choice Session |
||
| 1:00pm - 2:15pm | Choice Session 1 |
Choice sessions are offered for all participants covering a range of topics to choose from aligned to participants’ area of interest and focused on these three pillars:
Choice session details and topics can be found later in this booklet. |
| 2:15pm - 2:25pm Transition to Choice Session |
||
| 2:25pm - 3:40pm | Choice Session 2 |
Choice sessions are offered for all participants covering a range of topics to choose from aligned to participants’ area of interest and focused on these three pillars:
Choice session details and topics can be found later in this booklet. |
| 3:40pm - 4:00pm Transition back to District Time |
||
| 4:00pm-5:00pm | District Time provides dedicated space for teams to align, reflect on learning, and plan how to apply key insights to support Every Child, Every Day in their schools and communities. | |
EmpowerEd Weekend Highlights
EmpowerEd Weekend has traveled across Michigan, bringing educators together in communities throughout the state.
From Detroit to Flint, Grand Rapids to Traverse City, each gathering strengthens a statewide network of educators committed to expanding opportunity for every student.
 Spring 2025 Grand Rapids |
Past Events Across Michigan
- Fall 2023 — Detroit
- Spring 2024 — Detroit
- Fall 2024 — Flint
- Spring 2025 — Grand Rapids
- Fall 2025 — Detroit
- Spring 2026 — Traverse City