HIVE: Then and Now

The HIVE conference by Open Up Resources has embarked on a transformative journey, paving the way for educators to connect, learn, and grow. Since its inception in 2019, the conference has evolved significantly, adapting to the ever-changing educational landscape. 

Let’s explore more about what HIVE is all about. In this blog, we will delve into the origins of the HIVE conference, explore the changes witnessed over the years, highlight the enduring commitment to learning and connection, and anticipate the immersive experience of the upcoming 2023 conference.

Why the Conference was Started

The HIVE conference was born out of a deep understanding of the power of collaboration and the need for a platform that empowers educators to share knowledge, exchange ideas, and embrace transformative educational practices. Open Up Resources, a renowned nonprofit organization committed to equitable education through providing freely accessible, high-quality curricula, recognized the importance of creating an event that could amplify the impact of their resources by fostering a vibrant community of educators.

With the aim of catalyzing educational transformation, the HIVE conference was conceived in 2019 as a place where educators could gain valuable insights, engage in meaningful conversations, and access innovative teaching practices. The conference aimed to empower educators, enabling them to elevate their instructional approaches and unlock the full potential of their students.

Instructional Math Coach at Cumberland County Schools, Laneshia Lamb-Boone said of the 2022 conference: "HIVE 2022 was an experience for the books. I discovered more about myself as an educator which perfectly positioned me to take on the role as a Coach. I believe in this curriculum so much and I can't wait to lead and learn with other educators who are passionate about creating rigorous classrooms. HIVE 2023 will be a footprint along the journey to elevating student learning.'

Changes from 2019 to Present

Since its inception, the HIVE conference has adapted to the evolving needs of the education community, embracing new opportunities and expanding its reach. One significant change has been the broadening of the conference's scope to encompass a wide range of educational topics and disciplines. From the core pathway sessions in mathematics and English language arts to multilingual sessions and digital solution sessions, the conference now offers diverse pathways tailored to meet the unique needs of educators. 

The HIVE conference has also harnessed the power of technology to enhance the attendee experience whenever possible. In response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the conference swiftly transitioned to a virtual format, ensuring uninterrupted access to invaluable learning opportunities. Since then, the conference has resumed back to in-person with this year’s HIVE taking place in Atlanta, GA July 10-12. This year, virtual networking opportunities are also available to extend beyond the confines of the conference.

What’s more, this year’s conference also features wellness sessions, focused on empowering attendees with mindful and restorative tools that they can implement both in their personal lives and classrooms. The Self Care Suite, sponsored by Dove and the Dove Self-Esteem Project, and guided by our TLIR team, community coaches, and health and wellness experts, will provide teachers with a range of experiential breakouts, interactive workshops, enlightening keynotes, insightful panels, and engaging chats. 

Teacher Leader in Residence, Ally Lewis, said: "This year's conference theme, Committed to Equity and Excellence, will truly come to life in the pathways, learning, and experiences created for educators at HIVE. I am beyond excited to partner with the Dove Self Esteem Project to highlight and support our Hispanic/Latinx students, AND to dig into mathematical language routines for bilinguals with teachers in an English/Spanish session! Nos vemos en Atlanta!" 

Designed specifically for educators navigating the post-pandemic education landscape, the Self-Care Suite aims to inspire and support teachers in prioritizing their self-care journey. One of the featured speakers at HIVE 2023, Dré Brown, Dove Self Esteem Educator & Curriculum Consultant said:

“I’ve partnered with the Dove Self-Esteem Project in facilitating and curating experiences centered around healthy critical thinking and norm shifting for nearly a decade. However, when I got the opportunity to co-create our My Hair, My Crown curriculum, it was a uniquely defining moment in our partnership — where, inspired by my own childhood self-esteem and cultural identity experiences, I was able to conceptualize, design, and ultimately accredit a tool I would have loved to have had growing up as young Black girl measuring my worthiness against narrow beauty standards that systemically excluded elements endemic to my culture. Being able to engage in the research and testing of this curriculum with real Black and Brown youth was tremendous in my more deeply understanding the need and value of culturally sensitive learning tools and environments. I’m so excited to bring this curriculum as well as other multicultural toolkits to this year’s HIVE Conference."

Commitment to Learning and Connecting

Throughout its journey, the HIVE conference has remained steadfast in its commitment to fostering a community of lifelong learners and connectors. While the format may have changed, the essence of the conference's commitment to learning and connection has stayed strong. Interactive workshops, engaging keynote speeches, and thought-provoking panel discussions provide attendees with valuable insights, practical strategies, and an opportunity to exchange ideas with peers and experts in the field.

Beyond the curricula, HIVE 2023 offers equity-focused workshops where educators can learn about strategies, frameworks, and practices that promote classroom equity. These workshops provide practical tools to create inclusive learning environments. The conference recognizes the importance of intersectionality and identity, offering insights into fostering a classroom that respects diverse perspectives. Culturally responsive teaching is also emphasized, empowering educators to integrate students' backgrounds and experiences into instruction, making curriculum content relevant and accessible for all students.

Most importantly, the HIVE conference serves as a catalyst for forging meaningful connections. Educators from diverse backgrounds and experiences come together to share their stories, challenges, and triumphs, creating a supportive network that extends beyond the conference. The sense of camaraderie and collaboration nurtured during the event often leads to ongoing relationships, empowering educators to continue learning and growing together even after the conference concludes.

The Most Immersive Experience Yet: HIVE 2023

HIVE 2023 offers a dynamic and engaging learning environment through its interactive workshops, designed to actively involve educators in hands-on activities and foster collaboration with their peers. These workshops go beyond traditional lecture-style presentations, encouraging participants to become active participants in their own learning journey.

The immersive nature of these workshops is a key aspect of the HIVE 2023 conference. 

By actively participating in hands-on activities and collaborating with peers, educators can experience firsthand the impact and effectiveness of various teaching strategies and methodologies. This experiential learning approach empowers educators to confidently implement these approaches in their own classrooms, adapting and customizing them to suit their students' unique needs.

Have you registered for HIVE 2023 yet? Tickets are on sale until June 15, 2023 – sign up today.