Registration opens for Centenary College’s unique educator symposium Full STEAM Ahead
Centenary College of Louisiana is hosting its third annual Full STEAM Ahead educator symposium on February 12-13, 2026. The deadline to register is approaching. All education professionals are invited to attend the event entitled “Patterns: Rewrite the Rules. Rethink What’s Possible.” This event is put on by the College’s Department of Education and Center for Teaching and Learning.
The Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) symposium is designed to provide professional enrichment, development, and networking opportunities for education professionals whether they teach, support people who teach, or aspire to teach. Educators across all disciplines and grade levels will be exposed to innovative teaching strategies and cutting-edge research.
"This year's Full STEAM Ahead theme, Patterns, asks us to look closely at the structures that shape how we teach, and to have the courage to question and reimagine them, said Dr. Rachel Johnson, director of Centenary’s Center for Teaching and Learning. “Every classroom relies on a balance between structure and discovery, the familiar and the unexpected. That's where some of our best ideas — and our best teaching moments — tend to happen. This symposium is a chance to share what works, talk honestly about what's changing, and imagine together what education can look like when we're brave enough to try something new."
Full STEAM Ahead provides a platform for nationally recognized speakers and leaders in STEAM education to share new perspectives and professional development opportunities with teachers who might not otherwise have access to them locally. These experiences enrich both Centenary students and the wider educational community, advancing the College's strategic goal of providing a transformative learning environment that benefits the region it serves.
"Full STEAM Ahead is the only local professional development conference of its kind,” said Dr. Terrie Johnson, chair of the Education Department. “The symposium is shaped by the needs and interests of local and regional educators, and as planners, we strive to provide an engaging, fun, and worthwhile program. We also spoil educators with great food, great swag, and great door prizes!”
The event opens on Thursday, February 12, at 5:00 p.m. with a reception inside the Meadows Museum of Art. Sessions begin at 8:30 a.m. on Friday. Some of the topics include creative pattern-making and design-thinking; hands-on and low-tech STEAM activities teachers can use immediately emerging uses of artificial intelligence in classrooms; place-based learning connected to local communities; and fresh approaches to reimagining traditional teaching models.
A group of third and fifth grade students from South Highlands Elementary Magnet will present a poster session demonstrating how Artificial Intelligence works and impacts daily life. The LSU AgCenter from Baton Rouge will present “Lettuce STEAM with Seeds to Success.” This session will show how bringing the farm to school can transform a school gardening exercise into a dynamic STEAM experience.
“In addition to the inspiring sessions, Full STEAM Ahead gives local teachers and school leaders a firsthand look at the energy, creativity, and quality of Centenary's programs and students,” said Dr. Rachel Johnson. “By welcoming educators to campus, the event reinforces Centenary's identity as Shreveport-Bossier's College — a regional hub where ideas, partnerships, and innovation in education can flourish.”
The keynote address will be delivered by Jamin Carter who is an educator, artist, activist, and minister. He has more than 14 years of experience working in ministry and education. Carter has led students and educators across the country through dynamic behavioral work that teaches self-regulation skills in social and cooperative learning environments.
To register for Full STEAM Ahead 2026, go to centenary.edu/fullsteamahead. The symposium will be limited to 100 attendees. Registrations will be accepted until the first day of the conference. Here are the fees to attend:
Centenary Students (Free)
Non-Centenary College Students ($5.00)
Regular Professional (Teacher, Professor, Industry) ($45.00)
2 for 1 Registration: Two educators attending from the same school ($45.00)
Fees may be paid online, or checks/money orders may be mailed to the following address:
Centenary College of Louisiana
Attn: Dr. Terrie Johnson
Education Department
2911 Centenary Blvd
Shreveport, LA 71104
For more information, please contact Dr. Terrie Johnson, chair of the Centenary Education Department, at tsjohnson2@centenary.edu or Dr. Rachel Johnson at rejohnson3@centenary.edu or call 318.792.2912.