Note: This blog post was published in January 2018 on my first blog/website. It is being relocated to this website as I continue to transition writing and thoughts to this space.
Note: This is an update to my reflection post about my attendance at NWPAM17 & NCTE17.
Prior to Winter Recess in December, I had the opportunity to present on my travels in November to St. Louis, MO for the National Writing Project‘s Annual Meeting and to the National Council of Teachers of English Annual Convention.
I recently presented to two groups of people within the school district I teach in – my colleagues in the middle & high school building that I teach in and the school board.
The opportunity to present to both of these groups was made possible because of a letter I wrote about my travels and experiences. I sent it to my building administrators, the English department, and the superintendent. A copy of the letter was sent to the school board, too, prior to my presentation.
My talking points for both presentations were:
- Involvement as a Red Cedar Writing Project (RCWP) Teacher Consultant
- Background as to what a Teacher Consultant is, does, and can provide
- RCWP funding received
- Attendance at NWPAM17 roundtables and NCTE17 presentations
- Key takeaways and applications
- Plans to continue attending both events with hopes of presenting with others from Michigan and across the country
Both audiences welcomed the idea of having me share about my travels and work. The presentations went well and I am thankful for both opportunities.
Conversations continued after both meetings, too. Colleagues in my building wanted to know more about the rural and race presentations I attended. School board members were impressed with the dedication I have to teaching, along with the willingness to pay my way to a conference I was not presenting at.
I plan on continuing to provide reflection letters about my attendance at conferences with the hope of being able to speak about them. This type of self-advocacy is new to me and my audiences, and I hope it will pay off in the long run. I think it will also shine light on the professional development I need as a teacher to supplement my instruction, drive my thinking and wonder about education, inspire me to pursue opportunities, and motivate me to be the best educator I can possibly be.