PBS and Detroit Public TV teamed up for PBS EdCamp, a day of interactive, professional development for 90 Metro Detroit educators from 10 different school districts. The August 18, 2017, event was the third teacher summit collaboration between DPTV and PBS. But, it was the first such event that specifically targeted educators of children, ages 2-8.

In Detroit, a city where 77,000 children need quality pre-school education but have no access, these teachers came from very different school settings and communities with a willingness to try a new form of professional development where they learned from each other. Driven by their conversations these teachers collaborated  about arts, language, digital integration and classroom management at the inaugural PBS Edcamp. They also tackled issues of race, equity and inclusion, parent engagement and children living in poverty.

One of the teachers said it best. “This is the first time I felt like I was recognized as an educator, that I’m not just a babysitter.”

PBS EdCamp is just one more way where Detroit Public TV extends its trusted reach into the community and beyond. Sara Schapiro, PBS Vice President, Education, said the Detroit Public TV training event will serve as a model for public television stations all across the nation.

“There were many a-ha moments today, and we can’t wait to see what’s possible for PBS member stations and the educators, families and communities we’ll serve through the PBS-Edcamp mode,” Schapiro said.

Witness a few of the inspiring conversations that happened throughout the day: