News Stories

EMS ISD celebrated an exciting milestone this summer with the launch of its inaugural TeachFest, a dynamic new professional learning experience designed to energize, empower, and elevate educators as they prepare for the year ahead.

TeachFest 2026 took place June 15-17 at Eagle Mountain High School and welcomed approximately 450 EMS ISD educators over the course of three days. The multi-day event marked a bold step forward in how EMS ISD approaches professional learning by offering educators a flexible, engaging and impactful experience tailored to their individual needs and goals.

Participants had the opportunity to attend one, two, or all three days, building their own personalized professional learning journey. Modeled as an “all-star training camp” for educators, TeachFest encouraged participants to “build their own playbook” by selecting sessions that aligned with their interests, campus needs, content areas and professional goals.

“TeachFest represents more than a single event. It signals a shift in culture,” said Dr. Walter Berringer, Deputy Superintendent. “This experience reflects our commitment to empowering teacher voice and leadership, promoting collaboration across campuses and content areas, and delivering professional learning that is relevant, differentiated and meaningful for our educators.”

What makes TeachFest especially meaningful is its foundation. The event it was built by educators, for educators. The event brought together EMS ISD teachers and leaders, along with experienced professionals and partners, to facilitate sessions that were both practical and inspiring.

Throughout the three days, educators participated in a wide variety of sessions focused on research-based instructional strategies, differentiation and scaffolding practices to support diverse learner needs, innovative technology tools that enhance teaching and learning and specialized sessions supporting areas such as special education, gifted and talented education, and more.

Beyond the session content, TeachFest was designed to be a true professional learning experience. The event created space for collaboration, connection and celebration, allowing educators to learn from one another, share best practices and build momentum heading into the new school year.

“The energy around TeachFest was remarkable,” Berringer said. “This was not just about attending sessions. It was about igniting passion, sparking innovation, and strengthening the collective efficacy of our teaching community. When educators have opportunities to learn from one another and take ownership of their growth, our students ultimately benefit.”

TeachFest also reinforced EMS ISD’s ongoing commitment to continuous improvement and investing in the growth and success of staff. By celebrating the expertise within the district and creating opportunities for educators to lead and learn together, EMS ISD continues to strengthen a culture of collaboration and excellence.

As TeachFest grows in the years ahead, district leaders hope it will continue to serve as a meaningful professional learning experience that inspires educators, supports strong instruction, and helps prepare every classroom for a successful school year.