Taking care of one another

î am at the European League of Middle Level Education (ELMLE) conference, in Vienna. Many wonderful sessions on topics related to wellness, mindfulness, grit, technology in the classroom, instructional strategies and cross-cultural communication. As teachers we often are so busy that we forget to consider our own professional interests and interpersonal needs. Conferences are a great way to connect with other educators, hear great speakers, and challenge our own professional thoughts and ideas.

î have loved being part of this dynamic group of educators, leaders, administrators, advocates for middle level education. To be able to share ideas and challenges we all face has been inspiring. I hope all of you have the chance to share your good work with others. We can start here, on this blog.

Perhaps you and your colleagues have great ideas to share. Consider submitting a proposal to AMLE.org to present at the Association for Middle Level Education conference that will take place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in November. The deadline is February 15.



         

Professional Learning Networks: New for the New Year!!

Last semester, alumni from our university read and wrote blogs about successes, whoo-hoo moments, and challenges they face. We started the blog as an opportunity to share and connect. Before the end of the semester we agreed that connecting with one another is a fabulous tool for supporting and lifting the spirits we bring to the classroom. But we wonder if connecting online is enough?

Teaching is challenging. Meeting the needs of so many different children and colleagues is an ongoing focus. How can we continue to advocate for those we serve and work with? How can we advocate for ourselves? How can we connect?

Chris Weiler is a professor at Kutztown University in Pennsylvania. He wrote a piece for the AMLE Magazine on Professional Learning Networks.  

Chris' article, "Join the Crowd: Building a PLN" is exactly what we are doing. 
I told him what we are doing and he was very excited to share his article with us. It is linked below... and a quick read.

http://www.amle.org/BrowsebyTopic/WhatsNew/WNDet.aspx?ArtMID=888&ArticleID=577

It is a new year... time to take care of your students; time to take care of your colleagues; time to take care of yourself. It is possible to create your own PLN. Blogger.com is a web 2.0 tool that allows you to have multiple authors. It could be a good tool for your team of teachers to create for your students and the school! I recommend bringing in school counselors to add to the spirit of support!

We will continue to work together to Check In and Reach Out (CIRO). We hope to continue to lift the spirits of those who work with middle level youth and their advocate: teachers, administrators, staff, parents, and community members!!! Here is to 2017: the year of Advocating for One Another!! (:

Peace.