Cognia IMPACT Fall Conference

December 6-8, Senior Associate Bob Imholt and Senior Consultant Diana Martelly were pleased to represent Search Associates (SEARCH) at the Cognia/AdvanceEd Conference at the International Hotel, Buckhead Atlanta. With 180 participants and 96 schools in attendance, the conference focused on four “key characteristics of high-quality schools and systems: leadership of learning, healthy culture of learning, engagement of learning, and growth in learning.” The first evening’s reception and the breakfast and lunch events were great opportunities to meet colleagues and grow Search Associates’ professional network. Diana said,

After the restrictions of the pandemic, it was a pleasure to be able to connect in person with the many attending leaders of our Search Associates member schools.

In addition to many useful sessions, participants enjoyed three, dynamic keynote speakers. Social and education entrepreneur and co-founder of the Learning Innovation Catalyst, Jason Green helps schools implement student-centered and innovative teaching and learning. He is also co-author of the bestselling book Blending Learning in Action. AP Music Theory teacher and high school band director Michael Kobito is the 2023 Georgia Teacher of the Year. Director of Bands at Woodland High School, Kobito, Michael oversees and manages four concert bands, a 200-member marching band, a basketball pep band, a private lessons institute, jazz band, and winter guard. After his first year of teaching AP Music Theory, he had a 100% test participation rate as well as a 100% pass rate on the AP exam. Finally, 31-year veteran in the field of education and Vice President of Accreditation Services for Cognia, Dr. André L. Harrison spoke about Cognia as the world’s largest accrediting agency and continuous improvement network.

At the SEARCH booth, Diana and Bob were excited to share what SEARCH has to offer with the attending schools, including our recruitment services, job fairs, and a variety of consulting services. In addition to reconnecting with former and new colleagues, Bob and Diana enjoyed learning about Cognia’s new developments in Performance Standards and Professional Development as well as Cognia Learning Communities.