7 reasons for going to teachers’ conventions

edunation.com.pl

I spent the last weekend in Warsaw where edunation ladies had organised an event for Directors of Studies and proper teachers. It was the first event of its kind and it reminded me a lot of fantasy fans’ conventions I used to coordinate *sniff*. Good times…

I made new friends and learnt a lot of more or less useful things, but the most important thing about this weekend is the sense of empowerment and motivation that only comes after intensively spending time with people who share your passion – exactly like fantasy fans’ meetings.

Only the teachers take shower more often, I guess.

I don’t think you get a similar feeling after those typical free teachers’ conferences organised mainly by publishing companies and focused on their products – and nothing’s wrong with that, but the event I had opportunity to take part in was focused on CPD and continuous growth of DoSes and teachers.

It makes me think of the greatest benefits of attending such meetings (either fantasy conventions or DoS-cons*):

1 Learning

Since you’re supposed to take part in lectures and workshops this point seems rather obvious, but there are more ways you can obtain knowledge apart from listening – you can always talk to lecturers after their presentation and from my experience they’ll feel really appreciated and will probably share useful books or articles worth reading. Moreover, there are many publishing companies around – it’s a good idea to check their new CPD books and check new textbooks.

2 Asking questions – and getting answers

There is no better place to share your concerns without being judged – your fellow teachers will be eager to help and at least brainstorm all possible solutions to the problem. Naturally, you can share your doubts on the Internet, but there aren’t as many trolls and haters when you reveal your weakness offline.

3 Gaining perspective

Problem sharing isn’t usually one-sided business, so it will probably lead to other teachers referring to their own troubles – which is just great as there’s nothing better than learning from the experience of others. Moreover, you will be able to get invaluable feedback and, equally important, perspective. I wish I had the opportunity of talking to more experienced and understanding teachers those thirteen years ago when I started teaching…

4 Networking

If you feel like sharing your professional experience there’s nothing better than going to a conference full of people who are genuinely interested in what you want to say. You can meet someone who suddenly becomes your inspiration – in my case it’s Beata Topolska who gave a great lecture about blogging and managed to put my ideas into proper frames. You’ll see my blog change very soon and I must say all I needed was Beata who gave me the push.

5 Meeting people

It would be really tiring, if you only met people who inspire and motivate. Fortunately, there are lots of attendees just like you – people who love their job and want to develop and grow, who have their successes but also problems – and who, just like you, sometimes feel simply overwhelmed. You can meet people who listen and talk to you, who understand you and don’t blame you for professional doubts.

You can make real friends.

6 Having fun

Apart from lectures, there are workshops and networking sessions, and many activities you may try just to have fun. The event last weekend had a photo booth with lots of funny accessories, a make-up stall and a massage spot! Didn’t make it to the last point, but I had a stunning make-up and was ready for a party. Because yes, there are parties – teachers and parties are like a house on fire after all!

I’m not going to elaborate that point, though.

7 Food

Well, honestly, you don’t always get cupcakes with logos on top, but the mere chance of having at least one should prompt you to take part in such events.

FYI, my CUPcake (gods, forgive me this flat pun) was scrumptious.

Are there any more benefits you expect from going to teachers’ conferences? Maybe you’re tempted with freebies, or maybe it’s the unlimited amount of coffee you may drink without anyone noticing your addiction?

I want to send a big THANK YOU to Monika and Gosia who were the best companions I could wish for – you’re awesome, girls!

*if there was not a term coined, there is now, what else would you call a convention for directors of studies?