National Conference in Ohio Focuses on Teachers Educators including the U.S. secretary of education, teacher union leaders and school administrators will focus on ways to transform the teaching profession in a conference this week with such targets as better recruiting, preparation and career development, and evaluations based on effectiveness. Leaders at the Labor Management Conference are set to approve a seven-part plan aimed at upgrading teaching and schools to better equip students to compete in increasingly digital and global workplaces. Education Secretary Arne Duncan will take part in the two-day conference that begins Wednesday in Cincinnati. Among schools making presentations will be Cincinnati Public Schools. The financially-pressed urban district has shown some of Ohio's best student academic progress, behind initiatives for teacher evaluations focused on student achievement and more community education involvement.