Baldwin County Public Schools and the Baldwin County Education Coalition proudly hosted the 2025 Gulf Regional Innovative Teaching Conference (GRITC) on July 21, 22, and 23, at Fairhope Middle school, welcoming educators from across Baldwin County, the state of Alabama, and the Gulf Coast Region. Now in its 17th year, GRITC continues to serve as a beacon of innovation and peer-to-peer learning in education.

This year’s conference brought together more than 1,000 participants who had the opportunity to choose from 392 dynamic sessions over three days, with topics tailored for every grade level and subject area. GRITC provides a unique opportunity for teachers to both learn and lead, empowering classroom professionals to share proven strategies, creative approaches, and meaningful tools that elevate instruction.

“Each year, GRITC grows in scope and impact, and 2025 was no exception,” said Terry Burkle, Executive Director of the Baldwin County Education Coalition. “We believe effective schools are built on the foundation of well-trained and well-supported educators. GRITC embodies that belief by creating a space where teachers lead and learn together.”

The GRITC model is intentionally designed to foster collaboration, connection, and creativity. Sessions are typically limited to 25 participants, allowing for more in-depth discussion and meaningful engagement, while a few select sessions are capped at no more than 40 attendees. At the end of each session, participants are given the ability to rate the session. This year’s conference yielded an average of 9.8 out of 10 for all sessions. And with a strong showing from both veteran and first-time presenters, 2025 proved once again that teacher-led professional development is both impactful and sustainable.

“GRITC 2025 was a return to form for our conference,” said Jeremy King, Education Technology Support Services Coordinator for Baldwin County Public Schools. “We saw the highest single-day attendance and the highest overall attendance since we started. The excitement was electric during all three days. Baldwin County Public Schools is always looking for ways to support our teachers, and each year we keep finding ways to encourage teachers to grow their skills.”

“GRITC is a celebration of what makes teaching so powerful,” said Eddie Tyler, Superintendent of Baldwin County Public Schools. “Our own educators take the lead in many of these sessions, and it’s their knowledge, passion, and commitment that make this conference such a success. It’s a proud moment for our district and a gift for our entire region.”

GRITC is more than just a conference—it’s a movement to elevate the teaching profession, connect educators, and prepare classrooms for tomorrow’s challenges.

“I truly appreciate all the work of our leadership in helping us put on what I believe is the best conference in our region,” said King. “None of this would be possible without the work of our team here in Ed Tech, and I want to thank them for the time and effort they put into making GRITC an event that people look forward to.”

The Gulf Regional Innovative Teaching Conference is held annually in July and is open to all educators. To learn more about GRITC and the Baldwin County Education Coalition’s year-round initiatives to support local schools, visit www.betterbaldwin.com