Los Angeles, CA – Wednesday, July 25, 2012 – “Full STEAM Ahead! Part 3: Building Our Economy Through Education Technology” is the topic of a half-day conference taking place on Saturday, August 18, 2012, at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel.
 
The STEAM conferences produced by TOWN HALL Los Angeles focus on best practices in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics education, geared to K-12 public school teachers in Southern California. Part three’s focus is on how best to foster student creativity and build Southern California's economy with education technology.
 
Conference keynote speaker, internationally acclaimed Dr. Yong Zhao, will discuss "World Class Learners: Educating Creative and Entrepreneurial Students," the subject of his new book released by Corwin in June.  “Entrepreneurship is fundamentally about the desire to solve problems creatively. Standardized testing and a focus on rote memorization are perhaps the biggest enemies of the entrepreneurial spirit,” said Dr. Zhao. “Giving today’s students the liberty to make meaningful decisions by exploring nontraditional learning opportunities will help develop them into tomorrow's global entrepreneurs.”
 
Dr. Zhao is Presidential Chair of Global Education and Online Learning, University of Oregon. He has published more than 100 articles and 20 books, and was recently recognized among the top 10 “Most Influential in EdTech” by Tech & Learning magazine.
 
The panel of experts discussing “Building Our Economy through Education Technology” includes moderator,  Mark Slavkin, Vice President, Education,  Music Center: Performing Arts Center of  Los Angeles County, Board Chair, California Alliance for Arts Education; panelists, Eric R. Hamilton, Professor and Associate Dean of Education, Pepperdine University; Phil Lafontaine, Director, English Learner and Curriculum Support Division, California Department of Education; Mateo Neri, Entrepreneur, Designer Director, DOT Launch Entrepreneurial Initiative, Art Center College of Design; and Marco Petruzzi, President and Chief Executive Officer, Green Dot Public Schools.
 
Thanks to the generosity of conference sponsor Corwin Press, K-12 public educators attend free.
 
“Corwin is proud to partner with Town Hall to bring people together from education and business to talk about how we can prepare today’s students to be leaders in tomorrow’s global workforce,” said Mike Soules, President of Corwin.
 
Corwin, a SAGE company, was established in 1990 to provide solutions for Pre K–12 educators. Corwin produces books and multimedia resources that range from very practical, experience-based resources to more reflective or research-based titles, and are written for a diverse set of professionals—principals, administrators, specialists, teachers, counselors, consultants, teacher educators, and collegiate-level students. www.corwin.com
 
One of the Top 10 Leadership Forums in the nation, Town Hall Los Angeles advocates for no side, represents no particular ideology, and stands solidly in support of free speech, civility and a belief that knowledge is a priceless commodity. Join us as we ramp-up to our 75th Anniversary, visit www.townhall-la.org.
 
All accredited members of the media are invited to cover this event.  RSVPs required to Deborah Weinberg at 213.312.9307 or [email protected].
 
**Please credit Town Hall Los Angeles in your coverage.