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PETE&C 2016 Reflections

I attended my first PETE&C conference this past week with my district's technology director. What an incredible amount of sharing from so many passionate educators. There were so many practical, student-centered, and forward thinking ideas there that were shared. With all of the positive energy and exciting ideas, I couldn't wait to get back into my classroom and start to try them all.
But with so many ideas to take away from PETE&C 2016, where would I begin? So, I started reflecting about my time at PETE&C, and the biggest take-away for me, after reflecting, was the idea of sharing. All of those educators were there to share, so that teachers and students could have better learning experiences going forward. Then it became clear to me. I have to stop thinking about my classroom and starting thinking about the school and the district. Now the only question, how do I effectively help bring back all of those exciting, practical, student-centered, and forward thinking ideas to the school and district?
One way I thought I could begin to share the things I learned is through Google Docs which could lead to a showcase sharing board. I'm imagining a large dry-erase board in a central location of the school. It would have the days of the week across the top and the teachers and/or grade levels along the side. Teachers could write in anything new and exciting they are doing in their classroom, along with the time it was occurring. Other teachers could then see all of the weekly ideas and ask for coverage from grade-level team members or the principal to go check out what was being done from something of their choice. I discussed this idea with my principal, and it is already in the works.

Another way to share the ideas at PETE&C, is through connected, engaging, and meaningful professional development. On the drive back home, I had the opportunity to talk with my district's Director of Technology. We were reflecting on all we learned at the conference and talking about, not only bringing back and sharing the new ideas, but also how to make a direct connection to the curriculum in engaging and meaningful ways. All I will say for now is, I think we came up with something huge. We think this idea is really going to have a significant impact on professional development that directly connects to the curriculum and learning in our district.

Once we develop the professional development idea a little more, I will share it. Until then, I'll keep you in suspense, but it will be shared just like all of the other ideas shared by some many at this year's PETE&C.  

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