Berryville, VAOn Tuesday, Clarke County Public Schools (CCPS) kicked off the new school year with an unforgettable convocation, energized by world-renowned educator and speaker Kim Bearden. The Clarke County Education Foundation (CCEF) was proud to help make this inspiring experience possible through our support of the CCPS Innovation Committee’s professional development efforts.

This event was part of the Clarke Innovation Conference (CIC), a conference-style professional development day that has become a CCPS favorite since its debut in 2018. Planned and led by the volunteer Innovation Committee—made up of teachers from every school level, district specialists, and administrators—the conference offers a fresh, engaging start to the school year. This year’s event featured more than 20 sessions tailored to educators’ needs and interests, culminating in the district-wide convocation and keynote address.

Kim Bearden, cofounder and language arts teacher at the nationally acclaimed Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta, brought a powerful and relatable message that resonated with everyone in attendance—teachers, administrators, food service staff, transportation, and maintenance crews alike. With decades of experience in roles ranging from classroom teacher to principal, Bearden shared strategies that inspire, motivate, and offer immediately usable tools for building stronger relationships and enhancing learning.

Her visit was especially meaningful following CCPS’s division-wide book study of her award-winning book Crash Course, led last year by Superintendent Dr. Rick Bolling. This prior engagement with her work allowed staff to connect deeply with her message and see her ideas come to life in real time.

In addition to sponsoring the keynote, CCEF also hosted its own breakout session for educators—Empowering Classrooms Through Community: Leveraging CCEF Resources for Impact. Presented by Executive Director Beth Williams and Director of STEM Education & Innovation Dr. Camryn Fausey, this session guided teachers in exploring the many ways CCEF can support their classrooms through grants, partnerships, and innovative programs. Attendees learned practical tips for applying for funding, saw examples of successful teacher-led projects, and discovered how to connect with local resources to enhance student learning.

The CCEF is proud to invest in opportunities like this—events that not only inspire but also equip our educators with the tools, resources, and support they need. Together, we are helping ensure every CCPS staff member starts the year motivated, supported, and ready to make a difference for our students.

About the Clarke County Education Foundation
Founded in 1991, the Clarke County Education Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting Clarke County Public Schools through scholarships, teacher grants, innovative programs, and community partnerships. Our mission is to enhance educational opportunities for all CCPS students and staff by funding resources and initiatives beyond what the school budget provides. Every donation—no matter the size—helps us create lasting impact in our schools.

Contact Us:
Clarke County Education Foundation
P.O. Box 1252, Berryville, VA 22611
📧 director@ccefinc.org
🌐 www.ccefinc.org

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