‘You Matter:’ Impacting Student Learning Conference empowers educators

“Don’t quit. Keep at it. You matter.” 

That was the empowering message from Holly Witcher, 2025 Georgia Teacher of the Year, as she addressed 600 educators, student teachers and administrators at Augusta University’s 27th Annual Impacting Student Learning Conference on March 15.

What began as a local event has grown into a regional hub for professional development.

“Teachers matter. Without good teachers, without strong teachers who are taking care of themselves, learning new things and growing, we won’t have those people there to provide that to our students and local community,” said Amy McClure, PhD, the conference coordinator and field experience coordinator for AU’s College of Education and Human Development.

The ISL conference provides a space for educators to learn, connect and inspire one another. As the conference continues to grow, so does its impact on educators and students alike.

 “We do this as a community service so that we’re providing our teachers, educators, counselors and our students here at Augusta University free, high-quality, professional learning to help them with their own needs,” said McClure.

By offering professional development free of charge to educators in the CSRA, the conference ensures administrators, teachers and student teachers all have access to practical, research-based strategies that can be used in the classroom immediately.

Kynisha Okonkwo, a current doctoral student pursuing her Doctorate in Educational Innovation from AU, emphasized the significance of this opportunity.

“There’s always that one nugget of knowledge you take back. Education is all about adapting and making it work for yourself,” said Okonkwo.

At its core, ISL fosters a sense of community among educators, students and leaders, serving as a space where teachers can learn from one another and create lasting connections.

“I love the opportunity where people are able to elaborate on what’s happening, what they think can happen and give people an opportunity to actually learn. I think ISL is providing that opportunity for teachers in the CSRA,” said Okonkwo.

Carey Anne Aycock-Cushman, EdD, a proud triple Jag and an instructor in the Department of Teaching and Leading in the College of Education and Human Development at Augusta University, has been a long-time supporter of ISL. Aycock-Cushman expressed admiration for how the event has grown.

“To come back and see how much it’s grown, not just the volume but the level, I feel like everything’s been bumped up a notch,” she said.

The leadership aspect of ISL extends to new teachers, as well. Aycock-Cushman also serves as the coordinator of teacher development and professional learning for the Columbia County School District and requires all new educators to attend ISL as part of their induction process.

For those who have yet to experience ISL, Okonkwo offers a simple yet powerful piece of advice: “Be a believer, especially if you’re in the CSRA. They’re doing some amazing things.”