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The OCCS Annual Convocation is a one-day training and networking event designed specifically for the needs of OCCS sponsored schools. The Convocation is broken into two days: the first day is dedicated to our brick-and-mortar schools and the second day is for our eSchools.
OCCS is proud to be the only authorizer to host an event like this for their sponsored schools.
OCCS sponsored our first charter school in 2002-2003. This year, in 2023, we're proud to be celebrating 20 Years of Advancing Education through Leadership and Innovation.
The keynote speaker for our brick & mortar schools was Dr. Manny Scott, an original Freedom Writer whose story is told in part in the 2007 hit movie, Freedom Writers. Dr. Manny Scott has energized almost two million leaders, educators, volunteers, and students worldwide with his authentic, inspiring messages of hope. Dr. Scott said, “Kids need the support of ordinary people with extraordinary hearts. Become a student of your students; study them. Build a bridge between their context and your content.” One attendee said, "Dr. Manny Scott definitely energized me to make a difference in the lives of young people."
Following our keynote with Dr. Manny Scott, we dove into a though provoking panel discussion with key stakeholders, school leaders, and pioneers in the charter school movement. We’re grateful to have the support and attendance from stakeholders like State Representative Jamie Callendar and Colleen Grady from the Ohio Department of Education.
OCCS was proud to welcome a trailblazer in virtual education, Julie Young, as our keynote speaker for our eSchools. As the Vice President of Education Outreach & Student Services at Arizona State University, Julie Young provided key insights to the future of virtual education. "It was really helpful hearing the timeline of virtual schools and where we are now," one eSchool leader commented.
Over 300 attendees were able to learn in large groups, small classrooms, or individually in mental health and wellness spaces. Some of our featured sessions included:
Thank you to our keynote speakers, session presenters, vendors, school leaders, teachers, and support staff that attended the 2023 OCCS Annual Convocation.
Save the Date for our 2024 Annual Convocation: August 7-8, 2024, at the Renaissance Columbus Westerville-Polaris Hotel.
Want to learn more about the OCCS Annual Convocation or be a session presenter for 2024? Visit the Convocation page of our website.
Photos from this year's event can be found on our Facebook page here.