After completing all of the Kenan professional development institutes, I have to say that I wish ALL of my required PD opportunities were as beneficial!  As I think about what I will take with me, three things stand out.

The first has to do with new technologies and teaching techniques.  While we were in the mountains, I learned about SO many beneficial tools that I am now using in my own classroom.  When we started school in August, I was able to share what I learned with several other teachers at my school, who are now tying new things too.  I was proud that I was “in the know” for all the latest advancements in education!

The second way I improved was as a teacher leader.  I am learning how beneficial it is to share my experiences with others and to become more involved in policies and politics.  I did not realize how much influence teachers can have, until I heard all the speakers at our latest professional development institute.

However, I saw main benefit of all of our “get togethers” as time to talk and collaborate with other teachers.  I loved hearing ideas about teaching techniques from so many amazing teachers across the state.  And it was incredibly refreshing to see other teachers who are excited and enthusiastic about teaching.  There are a lot of negative people in the education world, so I appreciated the chance to see that there are other positive teachers out there.

Thanks for all the work that went into organizing such successful professional development opportunities for us!