It happened!! As a student in college, I always wondered what it took to be the one at the front of the room. They were filled with such wisdom and offered loving support to all who asked. I listened and watching with admiration as they artistically carried out their role in teaching me how to become a great classroom teacher.
I was finally able to take that role on, thanks to Seidlitz Education and Dr. Monica Lara. It all started when she was invited to our district to coach a team of teachers. Right away, she complimented me on all the strategies she witnessed in my classroom. She helped me tweak some specific areas and then invited me to speak at the What's Working with ELLs in Texas annual conference in Austin.
I showed up eager and excited to finally experience what it would be like to lead a group of adults through a workshop designed by me. Admittingly, it was very different. Believe it or not, adults seem even more reluctant than students to participate in activities during workshops. Perhaps it stems from the fact that most of us were educated in the traditional, lectured style. Or maybe it was because the coffee hadn't kicked in, or in some cases we were just too full from the amazing meals during our vacation outside of the classroom! No matter the case, I was able to urge a handful of participants to experience the hands-on, interactive workshop I had hoped for and imagined, and received great feedback for it.
I walked away with many new ideas to implement in my class which will definitely benefit the ELL kiddos. I have opened myself up to the realm of professional development for teachers, by teachers. I am humbled and grateful for this amazing opportunity and know that this was the first of many presentations to come!
Side note- I've noticed that there are so MANY educators and PLCs on Twitter! I had not been very active on Twitter before this conference, but am really starting to explore and make connections. Look for me on Twitter @MataHCISD
I was finally able to take that role on, thanks to Seidlitz Education and Dr. Monica Lara. It all started when she was invited to our district to coach a team of teachers. Right away, she complimented me on all the strategies she witnessed in my classroom. She helped me tweak some specific areas and then invited me to speak at the What's Working with ELLs in Texas annual conference in Austin.
I showed up eager and excited to finally experience what it would be like to lead a group of adults through a workshop designed by me. Admittingly, it was very different. Believe it or not, adults seem even more reluctant than students to participate in activities during workshops. Perhaps it stems from the fact that most of us were educated in the traditional, lectured style. Or maybe it was because the coffee hadn't kicked in, or in some cases we were just too full from the amazing meals during our vacation outside of the classroom! No matter the case, I was able to urge a handful of participants to experience the hands-on, interactive workshop I had hoped for and imagined, and received great feedback for it.
I walked away with many new ideas to implement in my class which will definitely benefit the ELL kiddos. I have opened myself up to the realm of professional development for teachers, by teachers. I am humbled and grateful for this amazing opportunity and know that this was the first of many presentations to come!
Side note- I've noticed that there are so MANY educators and PLCs on Twitter! I had not been very active on Twitter before this conference, but am really starting to explore and make connections. Look for me on Twitter @MataHCISD
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