As we teach we get wrapped up in our jobs. After all there is so much to do between preparing and delivering engaging lessons, analyzing student assignments, parent communication and county requirements. And when the day is over we are tired. Then we may  move on to our second job which could be a second teaching responsibility or family obligations. We work hard and tend to be exhausted, yet we move forward. But just like any part of your life, you must recharge to improve. If not, we become stagnant. Change can’t happen if you don’t move.

In the profession of teaching, the content hasn’t changed. Students still need mathematical and linguistic skills. Learning the history of the world and science behind life is a must. What does change is how it’s delivered. As a valued educator, it is your mission to continue to learn new delivery methods, new ways to reach your students on a level that is significant to them.

There are so many conference options. As the school year begins your mailbox and inbox will be inundated with invitations to the attend the best experience and learn new skills. As you select the best ones for you new skills will be gained, but the part that makes the conference amazing is the connections you will make. It may be a connection with a presenter and the 10 minute conversation that proceeds it. It may be the sharing of information that occurs at the lunch table with a few strangers. In the time of social media when the world is at our finger tips, these connections can turn into friendships both personal and professional, no matter where your new colleagues live. Having a group of people to turn to when you need help learning a tool, finding ways to incorporate it into your curriculum or writing a proposal for a class can now be just as valuable as your department meetings.

Which conferences do you select? Turn to your passion. What is it that you gets you excited? Is it a subject? Is it a speaker? Is it a company? Find that one fire and start with those conferences. Still uneasy, then choose a one day conference and talk to anyone that will listen. Create a list of questions to ask other educators. Every teacher that is present is there because they want to improve. Be open to suggestions and learn. After all, all of the attendees are there for the same reason.