Educators Rising Members Attend Fall Leadership Conference
Launch the media gallery 1 playerPlainview Educators Rising Members Landon Hergert, Josie Choat, Ashlynn Forbes, and Lucea Miller, and their teacher leader Ronita Jacobsen recently returned from the 2026 Fall Leadership Conference (FLC), where aspiring educators from across the state gathered to build leadership skills, expand their understanding of opportunities within Educators Rising, and prepare for future careers in education. The conference theme was “Dream Big, Lead Big, and Teach Big” and featured two tracks for members to participate in.
Members Landon Hergert and Ashlynn Forbes, participated in the Next Level Leaders Track, designed specifically for chapter officers and active members looking to step into advanced leadership roles at the local, state, and national levels. Throughout the day, these students engaged in interactive sessions such as:
- Think BIG: Focusing on recruiting, engaging, and growing chapter membership, becoming mentors to future leaders, and building professional connections.
- Level Up: Exploring leadership and team communication, competitive events, the LifeSmarts Knowledge Bowl, and national leadership opportunities.
- BIG Opportunities: Learning about competitive events, awards, and becoming a state officer.
- Campus & Career Connections: Exploring career and technical education (CTE) pathways, learning key Educators Rising facts, and participating in guided UNO campus tours.
Attendees from both tracks came together to hear an inspiring keynote presentation by Dr. John Gaines and concluded the day with collaborative chapter reflections. Members also had the opportunity for a campus tour where they were able to tour several buildings on campus and observe classes in progress.
In addition to supporting the Plainview delegation, Teacher Leader Ronita Jacobsen played an active role in the conference's success, serving on the Board of Directors and assisting with event operations while participating in Teacher Leader Sessions.
"Events like the Fall Leadership Conference provide our students with incredible insight into the teaching profession and give them the concrete tools to become leaders in our school and community," said Ronita Jacobsen. "Seeing our students collaborate, learn, and represent Plainview High School with such enthusiasm makes us very proud."
Educators Rising is a national organization dedicated to cultivating the next generation of highly skilled, passionate educators. Through hands-on experience, competitive events, and leadership development, Plainview High School members are taking meaningful steps toward shaping the future of education.