This we believe (NMSA, 2010)
* Ongoing professional development reflects best educational practices. Professional Development
This week I am at the Association of Middle Level Education (AMLE) conference in Columbus, Ohio. I am touching base with friends and colleagues who live across our country, and as far away as Australia. Special guests, teachers, administrators, district coaches, professors, and advocates of middle school children are inspiring and challenging us to collaborate, and dig deeper into our own reflections, and practice. Together presenters are celebrating best practices, research, and a commitment to advocate for teachers, administrators, and the children we serve. The information and spirit of those who are presenting are valuable to my own practice, as well as my desire to advocate for children, parents, schools, and the profession of middle level education.
There are multiple ways to attain professional development. I am hearing about technology professional development. I am viewing challenges, strategies, and tools other people are using to serve the myriad of children we serve. I am hearing of other ways to encourage teachers in schools, as a way to share their own expertise. Webinars, book clubs, small group sessions, are focusing on school-wide topics. In addition, the AMLE website has many resources available to teachers and school systems. I encourage and challenge all of us to attend a local, state, national, or international conference! Building relationships, exploring strategies and tools differently and/or more deeply are important in helping us grow as educators. The ultimate purpose of professional development is to inspire and give us more depth of knowledge. I wish you were here!
Advice
1. Conferences are a great way to get lots of ideas in a short amount of time. If money is unavailable, consider participating in a virtual learning community with colleagues.
2. Once you go to a conference, find someone in your school to collaborate with and share ideas.
3. Consider presenting something you do well at a state conference. If it goes well, submit it to a national conference.
4. Engage in your national organizations. AMLE.org has many resources that are available.
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