Ignite your community, your future, your passion. IgnitED.

On February 20, 2017, New Schools for Baton Rouge hosted IgnitED, a day of teacher networking, sponsored by ExxonMobil and City Year Baton Rouge. Taking place on LSU's campus, IgnitED provided over 100 current teachers, teacher candidates, and undergraduates with a cost-free opportunity to explore education in Baton Rouge.

"Today is about igniting your idealism and your passion to create new opportunities for our students." - @ChrisMeyer_LA #TeachBR

— New Schools for BR (@NewSchoolsBR) February 20, 2017

During the school tours, attendees were able to experience innovative school models as well as immerse themselves in various school cultures. Teacher candidates were able to step inside classrooms at UP Elementary and Baton Rouge College Prep to observe students engaged in small group discussion, independent reading, and classroom instruction using a two-teacher model.

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Touring New Schools for Baton Rouge today with the IgnitED group. #TeachBRGreat things are happening in Baton Rouge!

— Lucy Mercer Foval (@Lucy_M_Foval) February 20, 2017

At Baton Rouge Bridge Academy, attendees were invited to join a special Mardi Gras parade where students celebrated and shared in their peers' accomplishments.[gallery size="medium" ids="https://newschoolsbr.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Tour_27-1.png|,https://newschoolsbr.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Tour_25-1.png|,https://newschoolsbr.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Tour_28-1.png|,https://newschoolsbr.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Tour_35.png|,https://newschoolsbr.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Tour_34.png|,https://newschoolsbr.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Tour_36-1.png|"]The school tours concluded at Democracy Prep Baton Rouge where attendees were able to explore different classrooms, observe instruction, and talk to current students about their experiences.[gallery size="medium" ids="https://newschoolsbr.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Tour_41.png|,https://newschoolsbr.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Tour_40.png|,https://newschoolsbr.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Tour_46.png|,https://newschoolsbr.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Tour_47.png|,https://newschoolsbr.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Tour_44.png|,https://newschoolsbr.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Tour_49.png|"]Ending the day at the Opportunity Expo, candidates were able to network with partner organizations and school leaders to discuss emerging teaching opportunities across the Baton Rouge community.[gallery size="medium" ids="https://newschoolsbr.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Expo_1.png|,https://newschoolsbr.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Expo_6.png|,https://newschoolsbr.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Expo_2.png|,https://newschoolsbr.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Expo_5.png|,https://newschoolsbr.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Expo_7.png|,https://newschoolsbr.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Expo_8.png|"]

It was great to know where I can fill in the gap for education!!! Thanks to IgnitED!!! #teachBR

— Niki (@_theprettylady) February 21, 2017