OCCS Annual Convocation
OCCS kicks off each school year by hosting a Convocation designed to engage, uplift, and inspire school staff in our 49 sponsored schools. The 2023 Convocation theme is Celebrating 20 Years of Advancing Education through Leadership and Innovation.
Annual OCCS Convocation
The Annual OCCS 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 have partnered with world-renowned keynote speakers over the years, including Ruby Payne, Michael Bonner, Ron Clark, Tom Vanderark, and Howard Fuller. Trainings are provided to school staff in the areas of special education, leadership, academic learning loss, data analysis, school leadership and mental health. Last year's theme was OCCS M.E.A.N.S Student Centered which placed emphasis on student and teacher mental health. Convocation attendees were able to access a wellness room and attend sessions geared towards improving mental health.
Celebrating 20 Years of Advancing Education through Leadership and Innovation
Keynote Speaker - August 2nd
Dr. Manuel Scott
Speaker, Author, Original Freedom Writer
An original Freedom Writer whose story is told in part in the hit movie, Freedom Writers, Dr. Manuel Scott has energized more than two million educators, students, and leaders worldwide with his authentic, inspiring messages of hope.
Read Dr. Scott’s full bio on his website.
Keynote Speaker - August 3rd
Julie Young
Trailblazer in Virtual Education Innovation
Julie Young is the Vice President of Education Outreach and Student Services for Arizona State University, and the Managing Director of ASU Prep Academy and ASU Prep Digital School. Julie is the leading voice for revolutionizing K-12 online education on the global stage. As the founding President and CEO of Florida Virtual School, she and her team grew the organization from a handful of students in 1996 to a highly acclaimed online school using personalized, next generation learning solutions.
Read Julie's full bio here.
The Experience
OCCS sponsored our first charter school in 2002-2003. We're proud to be celebrating 20 Years of Advancing Education through Leadership and Innovation at this year’s convocation. We are thrilled to be back at The Renaissance Hotel in Westerville on August 2nd (Brick-and-Mortar) and August 3rd (eSchool). From start to finish, your time at The OCCS Convocation will be customizable with our easy-to-use mobile app. Attendees will be able to learn in large groups, small classrooms, or individually in mental health and wellness spaces.
The pandemic has had a lasting effect on our children, our families, and schools. Mental health concerns and learning loss have taken a toll on us all. Our kids, our families, and our communities are all counting on us to come together as partners to address these issues. Your experience at the OCCS Convocation will be energizing, authentically engaging, and will help you prepare for the 2023-2024 school year!
Registration includes:
- Engaging keynotes
- OCCS swag and giveaways
- Participant-driven interactive sessions
- Breakfast, lunch, snacks and drinks
- Unique networking opportunities
- Access to our Wellness Room, a mindfulness-centered quiet room
Session Proposals
We're now accepting session proposals!
Session Tracks may include:
- Academics
- Dropout Recovery and Prevention
- Leadership
- Mental Health & Wellness
- Special Education
The deadline to submit is May 31, 2023. Click here for our session proposal application.
Registration and Agendas Coming Soon!