Jodi Eichelberger from Story Story Night moderated the keynote speakers at the Summer Institute 2025, an event attended by members of the Idaho Education Association (IEA). The speakers included Pierrette Madrid of the New Plymouth Education Association, Chase James of the Blackfoot Education Association, Pauline Smith of the Pocatello Education Association, and Carmi Scheller of the West Ada Education Association. Each shared stories about students who had a significant impact on their careers.
Chase James was among those selected to speak after submissions were gathered from across Idaho. His story highlighted experiences that influenced his work in education.
Kirsten Grover, also from West Ada Education Association, led a session with colleagues Carmi Scheller and Angie Hickman. Their presentation focused on incorporating games into classroom instruction to increase student engagement and support critical thinking development. Attendees participated in activities during this session to experience these methods firsthand.
Another session addressed historical topics. Pierrette Madrid and Elijah Nixon from Mountain Home Education Association discussed the Minidoka Concentration Camp, where Japanese and Japanese-Americans were detained during World War II. Darcie De Leon from Twin Falls Education Association contributed to this two-part presentation.
