MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — The MTSU College of Education’s Early Childhood Education faculty and Early Learning programs invite local early childhood educators and MTSU students to register now for the Play Symposium 2022 scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 1.  

“The Play Symposium is a conference for early childhood educators designed to emphasize the value of play,” said Pam Ertel, associate professor of education who spearheads the event along with Connie Casha, early learning programs director. “This year the focus will be on promoting the social and emotional well-being of children through play.”  

This year’s gathering — from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Oct. 1 in the College of Education building — will feature multiple expert speakers, breakout sessions and a finale keynote address by Grammy-winning Zac Brown Band guitarist and children’s author Coy Bowles.  

“We are very excited to have Coy Bowles as our keynote speaker,” Ertel said. “He has over 15 years of experience not only as a touring musician, but he also serves as an advocate for early education, literacy and teacher appreciation. Bowles will provide attendees with a unique perspective and solutions for educators staying connected to themselves, those around them and the children in their classroom.”   

Early childhood educators and MTSU students can register online now at https://tinyurl.com/3bc773tt. Prospective attendees can also mail in registration to Connie Casha at the Department of Early Learning Programs at 1301 E. Main St., Box 69 in Murfreesboro, TN 37132.   

Registration is free for MTSU students. Members of an early childhood education professional organization can register for $20 and nonmembers for $25. Prospective attendees can also register on-site the day of the event if seats are available, with a $30 cash-only fee for nonstudents. 

To learn more about upcoming events and opportunities at the College of Education, visit the website https://www.mtsu.edu/education/index.php.