I know this is going to sound absolutely off the wall, but after the conference yesterday, I actually FEEL differently. I am changed, and for the better. It seems there is such a distinct different between the -before and the after- that I am stunned it could happen in a short period of time...
What I'm trying to say is that the experience I had at the NYSEC conference, and maybe others felt it too, is one of profound awareness and professional mingling that made me feel empowered. Besides acquiring boatloads (yes, I said boatloads) of "stuff" to do in the classroom, I *finally* feel like I get it: why I want to do this, why there are so many others out there, why it is an amazing experience to witness the eagerness of long-time and short-time teachers who want to know more about the lit kids WANT to read, why it is so great to share ideas as a professional group...I could go on forever.
I think that being a presenter, with Karen, Jack, James, Chrissy, Dave, and Matt, will go down in my life experiences as a Top Ten...I know, I know, I'm not that old to be able to be absolutely certain about my key experiences, but I think that this conference has convinced me about the greatness of the teaching profession where the teacher ed program has failed, or often times, let me down. It has taught me that we are all learning to teach e v e r y d a y and that teaching is t r i a l a n d e r r o r.
I guess, what I'm trying to say, even though I lamented each step of the way, almost dreading the presentation just because I didn't KNOW what to expect, I am profoundly aware of the honor it was to be able to do 12-minute seminars and talk with teachers from all over the state who are so enthusiastic and who absorb the lists of titles to give to their students...
I guess one part of the presentation that each of us exhibited was a distinct PASSION for what we were discussing (here are the topics we did: Matt (graphic novels), Dave (sci fi), Jack (body image), Chrissy (Middle Easter Lit), James (N.A. Lit), and me (Fantasy), and this passion was almost tangible as we discussed these novels and these genres...
Chrissy, Matt, and I discussed on the way home going to the NYSEC and NCTE conferences in NYC next year as presenters... anyone else feel like they NEED to join us (especially after such a great testimony?)?
Besides, the lunch was great, and who can resist good food?
What I'm trying to say is that the experience I had at the NYSEC conference, and maybe others felt it too, is one of profound awareness and professional mingling that made me feel empowered. Besides acquiring boatloads (yes, I said boatloads) of "stuff" to do in the classroom, I *finally* feel like I get it: why I want to do this, why there are so many others out there, why it is an amazing experience to witness the eagerness of long-time and short-time teachers who want to know more about the lit kids WANT to read, why it is so great to share ideas as a professional group...I could go on forever.
I think that being a presenter, with Karen, Jack, James, Chrissy, Dave, and Matt, will go down in my life experiences as a Top Ten...I know, I know, I'm not that old to be able to be absolutely certain about my key experiences, but I think that this conference has convinced me about the greatness of the teaching profession where the teacher ed program has failed, or often times, let me down. It has taught me that we are all learning to teach e v e r y d a y and that teaching is t r i a l a n d e r r o r.
I guess, what I'm trying to say, even though I lamented each step of the way, almost dreading the presentation just because I didn't KNOW what to expect, I am profoundly aware of the honor it was to be able to do 12-minute seminars and talk with teachers from all over the state who are so enthusiastic and who absorb the lists of titles to give to their students...
I guess one part of the presentation that each of us exhibited was a distinct PASSION for what we were discussing (here are the topics we did: Matt (graphic novels), Dave (sci fi), Jack (body image), Chrissy (Middle Easter Lit), James (N.A. Lit), and me (Fantasy), and this passion was almost tangible as we discussed these novels and these genres...
Chrissy, Matt, and I discussed on the way home going to the NYSEC and NCTE conferences in NYC next year as presenters... anyone else feel like they NEED to join us (especially after such a great testimony?)?
Besides, the lunch was great, and who can resist good food?
5 comments:
Dawn, thank you so much for this post. Just reading this and seeing how inspired you've become through your experience has given me a little hope. This semester has been rough for me and I have seriously been questioning if I am on the right path and if this is something that I want to or even can do. I am comforted by your assertion that the program has at times failed to ignite the passion in you that this conference has. Congratulations on your presentation; it is a wonderful achievement. And if you guys do go to the NYC conference, I'm sure I wouldn't be able to present on anything, but I would love to attend and support you if I can.
Of course you could present on something with us, Tracie!
I would love to go to the tech conference with you, but I think I've been disregarding my coursework for long enough...I hope that conference is as motivational and moving as ours was,
Dawn
Dawn, I'm touched that you had such an important experience--one I have come to take for granted. But you remind me what it was like in those early years at NYSEC and other conferences. I just wish you could have stayed w/me for both days.
You could have had some great informal conversations at last night's cocktail party--which was quite a bit pleasanter than Wed. night's milieu. The company wasn't as good though!
I wish you would elaborate on what you mean about learning that teaching is learning every day "how" to teach.
I'm not sure if you're saying this is an insight the teacher ed program has not helped you to realize or??
I was very proud to be with you all of you yesterday. You made me look very good!!
Next time, you dont want to miss any of the poets. They're the soul of these conferences.
I have some ideas for presentations for any of you who want to get involved next year--and guess what--they involve technology.
Did you notice how few of the sessions had anything to do with multimedia/multimodal learning opportunities? K
A great post Dawn. It is important to remember how crucial a professionalizing experience going to conferences can be.
One thing that many colleges do is support their graduate students in going to conferences, especially when they make presentations.
I remember going to my first national conferences and giving papers there. It is an opportunity not to be missed.
And thankfully Cortland did support students with the registration fee for NYSEC....yea Cortland! K
Oh, and guess what, the lunch wasn't included but I conveniently let that get by me...K
Post a Comment