Since 1997, the ABMP School Forums have brought together the brightest minds in bodywork education to share ideas that shape the future of massage therapy. If you are a dedicated school owner, director, admissions representative, instructor, career services counselor, or curriculum designer—this is your conference!
In 2017, we’ve selected two exciting locations:
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA
April 28–29, 2017
The Grand Hotel Minneapolis
CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA
October 6–7, 2017
Charleston Harbor Resort and Marina
These comments from attendees at the 2016 ABMP School Forums highlight what’s really special about these events. Everyone has something to teach and everyone has something to learn:
“The ABMP School Forum never fails to inspire me; I always go home with concrete, implementable ideas that improve my school. Thank you ABMP!” —Joe Lubow, Sarasota School of Massage
“Excellent information presented in an effective way, with group participation and activities. I highly recommend the Forum. I learned so many new things and received answers to many questions.” —Lori Ann Mickel, Arizona Western College
“The Forum was a fabulous opportunity to hear from schools of different sizes and types—sharing ideas about what works, and envisioning the future of massage education.” —Erika Baern, East West College of the Healing Arts
What can you share that will stimulate progress? What advances are working in your classrooms? How are you empowering the next generation of massage professionals? Join the conversation and lead the change. We need your voice!
To join us at the 2017 ABMP School Forums, register online at www.abmp.com/educators/abmp-school-forums or give us a call at 800-458-2267.
Here’s a sneak peek of what to expect from this year’s program:
Session 1: Gainful Employment: Bridging the Gaps Between Clients, Practitioners, Employers, and Schools
You may think your curriculum builds the skills practitioners need, but do employers think so? Practitioners may think they give a great massage, but do their clients think so? Employers may think they offer a fantastic work environment, but do practitioners think so? Let’s face it, we have some serious perception gaps! This session looks at ways we start the conversation, get on the same page, work together, set priorities, and take action.
Session 2: ELAP! ELAP? A Guide to Practical Implementation
Initiated in 2011 and published in 2013, the Entry-Level Analysis Project (ELAP) is a research project that defines what a person should know (knowledge) and be able to do (skills) to practice competent and safe massage at the entry level. The ELAP Curriculum Blueprint was adopted by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards as the education standard in the Massage Therapy Model Practice Act of 2014. Many schools wholeheartedly embraced ELAP and used it to transform their curricula, while others remain uncertain about how to implement its findings. This session explores the ELAP Blueprint and demonstrates methods to use it effectively to enhance program learning outcomes.
Session 3: Marketing Boot Camp—Strategies Every School Can Use
Digital ad strategies. Social media campaigns. Content marketing. Push methods. Pull methods. Inbound methods. Outbound methods. STOP! What does it all mean and what can make a difference for school enrollment? In this session, we’ll look at effective tactics every school can use and systems to make sure that marketing actually gets done.
Session 4: Classroom vs. Online? How About Both
Online learning gives students control over the time and place where learning occurs, facilitating better school/life balance. Students work at a pace that’s right for them, and have opportunities to review content to reinforce knowledge acquisition. Alternately, classroom learning offers face-to-face instruction with chances to ask questions and receive immediate feedback. Engaging with peers through classroom activities enhances interpersonal and critical thinking skills and is essential to hands-on practice. Blended learning is a hybrid model gaining widespread popularity with both students and teachers, offering the best of both worlds. This session explores first steps for successfully moving some learning online.
Session 5: Your Student Clinic: When Learning and Profits Make Friends
Some student clinics are learner-focused and provide students with an exceptional, immersive, real-world experience with support from knowledgeable supervisors. Other student clinics earn groans from learners who feel overworked and used. The school is generating a meaningful income but learning is lacking. Can learning and profits make friends? How do we evolve a student clinic experience that benefits both learners and the school?
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