The idea of a PrintED National Teachers Conference (PNTC) was first discussed in 2011.  Thanks to $20,000 funding from the Graphic Arts Education and Research Foundation (GAERF), and a plan to co-locate the meeting with the 87th annual International Graphic Arts Education Association (IGAEA) Conference, the concept became a reality when the PNTC took place July 22-24, 2012, on the campus of Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina.

There were 36 registrants for the three-day conference, representing 16 different states. Attendees included: secondary and post-secondary instructors, department of education supervisors, Printing Industries of America affiliate personnel, and one vendor representative.     

The conference program was tailored to provide PrintED-specific information to attendees, interspersed with IGAEA hands-on sessions held in the university's state-of-the-art classrooms and labs. Monday's program kicked off with timely and informative presentations by two knowledgeable and respected speakers. Chief architect behind the international award-winning education campaign "Print Grows Trees," Printing & Graphics Association MidAtlantic (PGAMA) President Kerry C. Stackpole, spoke of dispelling the myths about the impact of paper and print on the environment. Immediately following, Philip Beyer, President of Beyer Printing and Ebiz Products and author of "System Busters: How to Stop Them in Your Business," discussed how organization, planning and standardization in production practices are critical to the success of any manufacturing operation.

Based on the feedback and participant survey results, the 2012 PrintED National Teacher's Conference was a success. Survey respondents unanimously indicated that they would like to see a PrintED conference offered next year. Most importantly, the content delivered was on target, relevant and well-received by the participants. Co-locating with the annual IGAEA conference provided an optimum forum that added to the success of both conferences. 

"GAERF is proud to continue its commitment to supporting education initiatives by bringing together graphic communications educators from across the country to gain knowledge, share ideas with colleagues, and ultimately help to expand the PrintED program nationwide," says GAERF President Ralph Nappi. "The PrintED National Teachers Conference, held in conjunction with the IGAEA National Conference, provided the ideal venue for a national learning community to take hold. We are grateful to PGAMA and to Clemson University for the time and effort expended in planning and executing these highly successful co-located events."

For more information about PrintED visit www.gaerf.org or contact GAERF Director Eileen Cassidy at e-mail: [email protected] or phone: 703/264-7200.