The Forum is named for Dr. Bob Gene Raines, a founder of the Forum and a participant since 1988.

The Forum is free and open to the public. Registration is required. All school teachers, students in teacher education, school officials, and civic leaders interested in education are encouraged to register and attend.

Dr. Billy K. Cannaday, Jr. Virginia Superintendent of Public Instruction. Billy K. Cannaday, Jr., joined the University of Virginia on October 1,2008, as Dean of the School of Continuing & Professional Studies. As Dean, Dr. Cannaday leads one of the University’s 10 schools, with the mission of providing undergraduate and graduate degrees, professional development certification, personal enrichment courses and travel programs, serving the surrounding communities and more than 15,000 adult students annually at seven regional academic centers around the commonwealth, in Richmond, Roanoke, Abingdon, Falls Church, Hampton Roads, Charlottesville and at the FBI National Academy in Quantico. Over the past thirty-four years, Dr. Cannaday’s career has demonstrated a commitment to education and public service. Prior to joining the University, Dr. Cannaday was appointed to a four-year term as Virginia’s Superintendent of Public Instruction by Governor Timothy Kaine. He has worked in elementary, middle, and high school levels and also held administrative posts at school and division levels in urban and suburban communities. His knowledge and understanding of local, state, and national policies and practices provide relevant perspectives on the school-student-home-community relationships.

Teachers of the Year

At the Forum, we honor Teachers of the Year from our participating districts. Names of teachers honored at the Forum remain on the Forum web page.

Teacher Roundtable Workshops

Each year we invite McGlothlin Award Winners to conduct Teacher Roundtable Workshops For teachers and student teachers. We also invite the Virginia Teacher of the Year. This year, McGlothlin Award Winner Elizabeth Lester and Virginia Teacher of the Year Catherine Webb will be with us.

Forum History

You are invited to read about the history and purpose of the Forum and to send comments or suggestions.

Forum sponsors

Emory & Henry College gratefully acknowledges the support of these groups that help to make the Forum a success each year:

• Bristol City Public Schools
• Dickenson County Public Schools
• Galax City Public Schools
• Grayson County Public Schools
• Russell County Public Schools
• Smyth County Public Schools
• Tazewell County Public Schools
• Virginia Chapter of Phi Delta Kappa
• Washington County Public Schools
• Wythe County Public Schools

Previous Forum Speakers

Please visit our list of previous Forum speakers. This list provides several links to our former speakers. Occasionally these links need to be updated as people move about on the Internet. Let us know if you find a broken link.

• Agenda



• Frequently-asked Questions



• Pre-register for the Forum



• Print a flyer for the forum



• Previous Forum speakers



• History and Purpose of the Forum



• Who is B. G. Raines?

Please send conmments or questions to Katherine Hanshew khanshew08@ehc.edu