Inspiration speaker, breakout sessions, collaboration at local event

More than 300 area educators visited the Exeter R-6 School District campus to learn and collaborate during the annual Ozark 7 Conference Professional Development Day on Sept. 18. 

The event offered an inspirational keynote address, professional development workshops and collaboration opportunities. 

“Our Ozark 7 Conference came together to share ideas, foster connections, and collaborate in similar content areas,” said Stephanie Fuller, Exeter science teacher and professional development committee chair. “What a fabulous success. The day’s events created an inspiring space to leave energized for the school year ahead of us.”

The professional development day began with a keynote address by motivational speaker Justin Pickens, who shared his history as an educator along with inspirational stories for teachers and mentors. 

“I thought Justin’s story was very empowering, and I liked that he grew up in this area,” said Jeremy McNabb, Exeter Elementary School third grade teacher. 

Kelsey Bowers, Exeter Elementary School first grade teacher, called the address inspirational. 

“The impact a teacher can have is beautiful, and his insight really puts that into perspective,” she said.

In addition to traveling the country as a motivational speaker, Pickens, who grew up in southwest Missouri, teaches at Rolling Ridge Elementary School in Olathe, Kan.

“Justin Pickens was honestly the hidden inspiration I didn’t expect to receive,” said Quan Beasley, Exeter High School business teacher. “We have similar stories in terms of our upbringing, and hearing his journey to where he is now really inspired me to keep striving to be better each and every day for our students.”

Following the opening address, educators had the opportunity to attend breakout sessions, receiving instruction on a variety of topics, including leadership, apprenticeships, critical thinking, reading strategies, and collaborative learning. Presenters were from Home Grown, the Missouri Department of Conservation, the Missouri State Teachers Association (MSTA), and the Agency for Teaching Leading and Learning (ATLL), which works in conjunction with Missouri State University. 

“The breakout sessions were very enlightening,” said Lindsay Reed, Exeter School librarian. “During one of my sessions, the instructor helped participants place themselves in the shoes of a multilingual learner by asking us to read and understand a document composed entirely in Spanish. 

“She then walked us through a process of using pictures, visual clues, presenter actions and chunking information in order to understand the document. This gave me a new way of thinking when working with English language learners.” 

The Exeter School District cafeteria staff and supportive staff members served a taco lunch for all attendees. Following lunch, educators participated in collaborative sessions to close out the day. 

“It was amazing to see the different schools of the Ozark 7 come together to collaborate, share ideas, and work toward ensuring the academic success of all our students,” said Chris Seymour, Exeter Elementary School principal. “When we work together, we create greater opportunities for every student to thrive.”

Administrators from the Exeter, Purdy, Southwest, Wheaton, Verona, Golden City, St. Mary’s, McAuley and Thomas Jefferson school districts collaborated to organize the Ozark 7 Professional Development Day. Planning took place over a six-month period prior to the event.

“We were very pleased with how the event came together,” said Tim Jordan, Exeter School District superintendent. “We worked together to build a day that would be beneficial to the professionals that work so hard to educate students. One of the main goals of this day was to create a culture within all the schools in the Ozark 7 Conference where teachers could help support each other throughout the school year with tips, advice, and encouragement. 

“As a group of small schools, teachers sometimes feel like they are on an island, and we wanted to create opportunities for growth for all of our instructional staff.”

Educators from throughout the Ozark 7 Conference will continue to collaborate through quarterly virtual meetings throughout the 2026-2027 school year.