Get Your Teach On

Dear Teacher, 

Let's take a walk back to 2012. A teacher by the name of Deanna Jump spent many hours emailing and inspiring me to become the teacher I always dreamed of. Later that year, she became TPT first millionaire teacher. Her fame didn't stop her passion but only compelled her to reach further and do more. My friend has a heart of GOLD! 

In the past few years, Deanna along with several other teachers I admire got together to take our field to new heights! It is THE professional development party/experience of the year and this year... it is going virtual! 

What is Get Your Teach On? 

Day 1 of the Virtual Conference

Today was all about prioritizing your life so that you can be the best you and the best teacher you can be. Below are some of the highlights and my reflections from the day. 

Dave Hollis - How to Get Out of Your Way
"Crisis reveals what already was in us" - John Maxwell. Mr. Hollis used this quote as the basis for his discussion on teaching and leading through crisis. This was a very timely discussion in light of COVID-19 and our journeys into remote learning. The take away: Teach your way! Your students need you to. One may ask how to lead during crisis. His advice: 1) Demonstrate Confidence, 2) Be Honest and Optimistic, 3) Throw Out the Old Playbook, 4) Be Organized, and 5) Focus on Emotional Intelligence.

My favorite part: the gap of shame (my term). He discussed how we show up versus our potential. The place in between is dissonance. It is where we are not putting enough effort in to reach our full potential. I am guilty of this. This guilt results in shame and stops us from achieving all we want to. 

Learn more about Dave Hollis at The Hollis Co. (shared with wife Rachel Hollis), Get Out of Your Own Way, or I have his book linked below. 
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Brandon Fleming - Fail Forward
"I hope you fail." Brandon Fleming shared that the one thing most people don't know how to do well is fail. "Failure is not your destination. It is a process." We must learn to fail forward meaning to fail and move forward. I spend a lot of time teaching my students to make mistakes each year. This lecture spoke to me on so many levels that I cannot begin to do it just here. If you ever get a chance to hear him speak, TAKE. IT. 

My favorite part: I love when faith is mixed in with teaching. My two passions besides my family. "God doesn't call those that are qualified... He qualifies those that He calls!" What a powerful quote from Mr. Fleming! You may not be the best teacher today but God is equipping you to be the best teacher for the student's he has given into your care. 

Visit the Brandon P. Fleming website to find more inspiration. 

Hope King
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My favorite part: 

Lanesha Tabb and Naomi O'Brien
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My favorite part: 

Dr. Jody Carrington
"Joy is a choice." 

My favorite part: 

Hayward and Starlette Jean
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My favorite part: 

Abby Mullins
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My favorite part: 
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​Day 2 of the Virtual Conference

Today is all about conquering your classroom! I can't wait to hear from these great speakers. 

Dave Burgess - Teaching Outside the Box: A Crash Course in Creativity
Creativity isn't about being a great artist or musician. Defined simply it is simply making something. Have you made a lesson plan? Then you are creative! Who knew? Mr. Burgess reminds us that the quality you put in equals the quality you get out of it. WOW! Most of the time our creativity is limited by regulations but Dave says its not about the limits but about the questions you ask that spark your creativity. 

My favorite part: The Extreme Hook Challenge. Dave suggests that instead of printing students with assignments, give them challenges. Instead of homework, build them a gift shop. Instead of jumping into a lesson, preheat your grill so your lessons will sizzle! We must fight being a cookie cutter teacher. Instead believe in yourself even when you are criticized. 

Learn more about Dave Burgess on his website or get his book below. I have also included links to several books from his publishing company Dave Burgess Consulting, Inc.  

Amelia Capatosta - Small Steps for Big Plans: A Guide to Short Range Planning
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My favorite part: Amelia has taken classroom transformations from Pinterest Photos to simple things that you can easily do to make a huge impact to increase the engagement in the classroom. Even better, they are inexpensive and can be used year after year. 

Chris Pombonyo
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My favorite part: I have struggled with RTI and Progress Monitoring. It just never made since to me. Chris has finally shown me how to do, why to do, and when to do it! If he would write a book on this it would be an instant NY Best Seller. 

Michelle Ferre
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My favorite part: 

Steve Spangler
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My favorite part: Steve not only gave us tips on how to effectively engage he demonstrated it. He made sure we were on our seats waiting to see what he would do next. I loved how he started an experiment and walked away making the students chase after him to finish. What a great hook!

Cara Carroll - Prioritize Parent Connections
Over the years, I have learned that if you have not built a relationship with your parents, you will eventually run into an issue over the school year. Cara Carroll gives us 6 tips on how to ensure your are building healthy, positive relationships. 1) Make deposits before you make a withdrawal,  2) Find the gold, 3) Be Accessible, 4) Be upfront (and honest), 5) Assume the Best, and 6) Really love kids. 

My favorite part: Ms. Carroll's tip on sending a handwritten note by snail mail to parents within the first three weeks of school to build a positive relationship with parents. We all love surprises and what better than getting a written note about why your child is special and amazing.

Wade and Hope King - Amplify Your Instructional Impact
The Kings wrap up our conference by giving us five daily transformational teaching habits to bring the M.A.G.I.C. into your classroom. 

My favorite part: 

​Final Thoughts

I have learned so much from this conference. There were many things that I needed to hear and didn't realize I needed them. I miss the energy and connections of the live conference (as seen in videos). This cemented the idea for me that I would like to attend this event in person. 

What were your favorite things from this conference? 

Love to All!
​Misty