AMLE Conference

First of all, what is AMLE?  Answer:  the Association of Middle Level Educators.  As a member of the Student Association of Middle Level Educators (SAMLE) I was fortunate enough to be able to go to the conference - both to enjoy the learning and also to be a part of the team that presented two different workshops.

The conference was an interesting blend of an overwhelming amount of amazing information, fun times with students, frustration at student attitudes and the kind of learning that only an intense conference experience can bring.

I learned about better ways to assess, and how to use assessment to improve teaching and learning instead of as a dead-end judgement.  I heard great tales about handling middle level students, as well better ways to engage learning and increase interest.  Workshops were offered with intensity and humor, and the impact that we teachers (or future teachers) have on students was cited throughout the different classes.  I took endless notes, bought books, and scavenged the exhibit hall for anything free (lots of good and plenty of pointless stuff).

My three student room mates were fun.  As their adopted Mom, I enjoyed the experience despite my trepidation leading up to the 4-day event.  We ate together, visited the sights of Minneapolis and enjoyed some nightlife (only one of the group of 14 was underage).  Some of the group were just a little too 'young' for me to handle for too long, but the group that I attached myself to seemed to enjoy me as much as I enjoyed them; I certainly hope so!  They introduced me to the world of SnapChat, I perhaps influenced them to attend a couple more workshops than they might have otherwise.  A win-win.

As I look over the tools that I gathered and contemplate the new learning, it adds to my desire to finally get out to the real world and be in my classroom!  If nothing else, now that my semester schedule has freed up a little with my two 8-week classes ending, I connected with New Hartford once again and will be teaching there every Wednesday afternoon, helping with Language Arts.  I can't wait!

All this time and effort is about the students that will one day motivate me to be the best teacher that I can be - no doubt at the very same time that they stymie and frustrate me along the way!

I can't wait :)