Onsite Candidate Workshops

NEW THIS YEAR! Your $40 candidate registration fee includes optional, on-site workshops during the fair to help you prepare for and succeed in your education career. Click here for the candidate workshop schedule. Schedule subject to change.

2026 OPEF Candidate Workshops are Presented by:

WORKSHOPS INCLUDED WITH YOUR REGISTRATION FEE

Foundational Personal Finance: Cash Flow, Emergency Funds & Insurance

Many new professionals earn steady income but lack a financial buffer, making them vulnerable to setbacks. Key takeaway: Stability comes before investing aggressively.

  • Building a realistic budget

  • Emergency Funds

  • Insurance essentials

  • Avoiding lifestyle inflation in the first 5 years of work.

Managing Student Loans & Debt Strategically

Most new educators carry student loan debt, and mismanaging repayment early can cost tens of thousands over time. Key takeaway: Debt doesn't have to delay wealth if handled intentionally.

  • Federal vs. Private loans and how repayment differs.

  • Income-Driven Repayment plans and how they affect cash flow.

  • When NOT to refinance.

  • How debt fits into overall financial planning (not letting it stall everything else)

Strengthening the Start: Connecting Novice Educators to Regional Support Networks

New educators benefit most when supports are intentional, connected, and sustained. This session examines how Regional Educator Networks align mentoring, professional learning, and peer collaboration to support educators new to the field and build a strong foundation for instructional practice.

From Candidate to Colleague: Starting strong in your first year

Preparing candidates for a successful transition from student teaching to full-time teacher; setting up your classroom and preparing for day one, building relationships with mentors, colleagues and families, etc.

Plan Smarter, Not Longer: Using AI to Support Lesson Planning

Lesson planning doesn’t have to mean long nights or starting from scratch. In this interactive session, educators will explore how free AI tools can support lesson planning by generating ideas, aligning objectives and standards, differentiating instruction, and streamlining preparation—without replacing professional judgment. Participants will leave with strategies to plan smarter, save time, and focus more energy on teaching and connecting with students.

 

Maximizing Instructional Assistants: Partnering for Classroom Success: 

Instructional assistants (IAs) are one of the most valuable resources in our classrooms today. This session is designed for those who want to explore effective partnerships with IAs in general classrooms, special education, and inclusive settings. Participants will learn practical strategies for defining IA roles, how to build strong relationships, strategies to support IEP implementation, and maximizing instructional support.

 

Guardrails for the Modern Educator: Ethics, Boundaries, and Digital Choices

This session addresses ethics, professional boundaries, appropriate use of social media, and common areas to avoid.