Online Philosophy Conference Offers HS Teachers/Students New Learning Connections

The Great Lakes Conference Makes Space for High School Student Participation  

This prominent Conference has gone above and beyond its regional barriers with its online platform and openness to international philosophy communities.

Equally important, since 2022, the Great Lakes Philosophy Conference represents a new type of learn-about-a-new "field" trip. High school students are encouraged to participate and thrillingly, to make presentations at the annual spring event. 

Essential Partners: Teachers 

High school teachers are the most significant partners in making this initiative a success. We believe the benefits to you are many. Participation in a philosophy conference expands your learning strategies and creative lesson planning. Real-world learning situations with students develop motivation and resilience as well as self-confidence and social intelligence. Moreover, as you already know, conferences are perfect networking events that may lead you in new career directions too.   

To find out what you need to know about the 2025 Great Lakes Conference, click here on PhilEvents. 

AND listen to the interview below moderated by Jeanine DeLay, President of A2Ethics with Dr. Leland Harper, philosophy professor at Siena Heights University/lead organizer of the Great Lakes Conference, and Katie Jones, Ann Arbor Huron High School social studies teacher/faculty coach of the Michigan HS Ethics Bowl.

Dr. Harper responds to questions about how teachers can support involvement in philosophy conferences; suggests ways to help students define/refine presentation topics; and what to expect in sharing your ideas in an online forum with others who are interested in learning from each other and engaging in lively discussions.