9. Overseas conferences are awesome!!!

9. Overseas Conferences are Awesome!! Check out ELMLE.org

This we believe (NMSA, 2010).

* Ongoing professional development reflects best educational practices. Professional Development

This we believe (NMSA, 2010) provides sixteen characteristics of exemplary middle schools. This is the ninth characteristic and falls under the category of Leadership and Organization. This week I had the opportunity to attend the European League of Middle Level Education in Barcelona, Spain.

There is something to be said about participating in conferences outside your own school system, state, or country. The European League of Middle Level Education (ELMLE.org) is an affiliate of The Association of Middle Level Education. Leaders of ELMLE host a conference in various cities in Europe each January. This year, teachers from all over Europe (there are thirty-two partner schools) and from eight countries outside Europe came together to share ideas and a common commitment to young adolescents.

Most of the participants were from American and International schools in Europe. I was interested to find out what inspires teachers to apply overseas. Teachers share that the experience of living and working overseas is amazing. One participant shared he has taught in three different countries in Europe. He said he came for three years and has been overseas for eleven years. I watched teachers reunite with former colleagues, sharing their experiences with one another, asking how things were going, and celebrating their successes. This conference provides a sense of homecoming as well as educational enlightenment and networking. Everyone I spoke with was welcoming and energizing to be around. Participants shared their love for the opportunity to gather, learn and play together.

I have been to this conference twice in five years and I find the participants enthusiastic and committed to middle level education. It is an eclectic, diverse group of people with the same vision: to serve young adolescents. This year’s conference provided topics on sexuality, mindfulness, technology, differentiation, leadership, and best practice within content areas. Administrators from different regions shared ideas and concerns as well as strategies and inspiration. There were break out sessions and time to learn about different company products and service opportunities. Small and large group discussions and presentations provided us with time to learn about and share strategies and tools with one another.

The conference provides more than that. I watched and listened as colleagues shared concerns for refugees, concerns for and about one another, concerns for and about their students. There is a spirit of collaboration with and commitment for all members present. The conference sessions and the experiences outside the sessions remind me that one of the best ways to advocate for one another and our students, is to become an active member in the organization.

I know we have access to many resources, online courses, virtual meetings, and connections we can make around the world. We can and do read books, magazines, blogs, and listen to webinars; but there is something magical about time spent with colleagues.

Those who lead this conference are teachers and administrators in European schools who provide a tremendous service to their colleagues. These individuals have worked together as a team for many years. They are connected; they are experienced, and they are passionate about making this conference meet the needs of the participants. They are making a difference in the lives of administrators, teachers, and ultimately children.

The experience was magical. I hope you have the opportunity to engage in such lively, inspirational experiences.

Advice

1)   After a few years of experience, consider teaching overseas.

2)   Consider different organizations within your state or region that will provide you with a network of people who share an interest in improving your capacity as a teacher. AMLE has an affiliates webpage. Your state may have a state organization. Most state organizations have yearly conferences. Consider attending a state conference in or outside your own state.  Follow this link for affiliates. http://www.amle.org/AboutAMLE/Affiliates/tabid/127/Default.aspx

3)   When you attend conferences, seek out colleagues to collaborate with, to share ideas, and successes. As you grow as a professional, consider participating in action research within your own state or across state lines. Teachers who love what they do love to share ideas.

4)   You are never too young to share great ideas. If you and/or your colleagues are doing something that works, share it at a state conference. Once you have shared it at a state conference, consider sharing it at a national conference. Once you share it at a national conference, write it up and submit it to be published. AMLE is always looking for best practices, research, and strategies to share. Follow this link for writing opportunities: http://www.amle.org/AboutAMLE/GetInvolved/WriteforAMLE.aspx

5)   As you continue to grow as a professional, consider serving in organizations. You will find networking with colleagues is a very powerful tool for professional growth.

6)   If you are an undergraduate, there is an affiliate called CMLA (Collegiate Middle Level Association). Ask your university advisor how to get involved in this affiliate organization.