Today, Elizabeth Stein, a special education teacher and instructional coach in Smithtown, New York and author of Comprehension Lessons for RTI: Grades 3-5, shares her thoughts on the importance of professional learning and attending your state reading conference.
One of the qualities of an effective educator is being a connected learner. Teachers must participate in personal and professional ongoing learning journeys, so that they know they are providing their students the very best classroom experiences possible!
As we think about best practices for instruction, meeting the needs of variable learners, achieving the heights of the Common Core, and creating meaningful learning environments for our students, we come to literacy as the center of it all. Literacy skills are an essential part of all learning—in all grades—in all subjects. As an evolving art form, education needs to be intentionally studied, questioned, reflected upon, and applied. The only way to keep learning is to engage in professional learning opportunities and collaboration, and there is no better way to stay current with learning and literacy than by attending a state reading conference.
Whether you are attending the New York State Reading Conference next month (enter for a chance to win free registration below!) or a conference next year, here are just a few benefits of being an active participant:
Hear leading voices in education share the latest research and thinking on current education topics.
- The Common Core State Standards, informational text, close reading—whatever is on your mind is sure to be addressed by nationally known keynote and featured speakers.
Meet beloved picture book authors and illustrators.
- Children’s book writers make the rounds of conferences, so you’re to have one or two of your favorites offer sessions or book signings. Taking your picture with an author and illustrator your students know is a great way to dazzle your students and make writing come alive!
Build your professional learning networks.
- Choose meaningful breakout sessions to connect with colleagues from across your state Learn how other schools are tackling challenges you are facing whether it’s integrating technology, building classroom libraries, or implementing writing workshop. Whatever you’re working on, you’re sure to find fresh ideas to bring back to your school.
Recharge, Regroup, Be Inspired!
- Just this simple change of routine will be sure to rejuvenate.
- Be encouraged as you validate your current practices and connect to ways you can ramp up the learning in your classroom!
Giveaway! We are offering a New York State teacher one free registration to attend NYSRA on November 9-11, 2014, in Liverpool, NY. (You must be a New York State teacher to qualify). This is a registration only—no travel or housing expenses are included. For a chance to win the registration, please leave a comment below about what you are most interested in learning about at the conference. Winner will be selected on 10/26. (Must be a U.S. resident, 18 or over; complete legal rules available here.)
