The following post is written by Kristen Luettchau, one of our Lead Ambassadors. You can visit with Kristen and the other Lead Ambassadors in the NCTE Village lounge right behind the UPS booth in the Exhibit Hall.
NCTE’s Annual Convention is almost over–what’s next? Earlier this week I blogged about making the most out of your convention experience, and now I’d like to share some advice about what to do next.
At this point, hopefully you’ve attended some great sessions, met some authors and PD rockstars, and networked with other teachers, including the ones standing in line with you to get into events or sitting next to you at sessions. You’ve shared everything from stories and anecdotes from your own teaching experiences to empathizing about how sore your muscles are after carrying all those books from the exhibit hall.
You may have stood in line for book signings, eager to meet some of your favorite writers. I know I had a few of my own fangirl moments when I got my books signed by Angie Thomas, Victoria Jamieson, Leland Melvin, Kylene Beers, Bob Probst, and the list goes on!
The momentum and enthusiasm of the convention is palpable with over 7,000 attendees this year! As I rode back up in the elevator at my hotel, I chatted with some of my fellow teacher-friends in green lanyards, and one woman said to excuse her enthusiasm as it’s her first time at convention.
But why tone down your enthusiasm? Share that excitement! I always tell my friends and family that attending NCTE’s Annual Convention is my Disney World. Be excited about all you’ve learned here at convention and let that reinvigorate you and translate into your teaching at home.
Without losing the momentum and enthusiasm that the convention has created, start thinking about your upcoming units and lessons and decide if there is a strategy you learned here that you want to try with your students. Do you have a professional group of teachers with whom you interact back at home? Make a plan to sit down with them and share some of the great resources you’ve gleaned.
After the convention you can stay connected with all of us by continuing to use the hashtag, #NCTEvillage, on your social media accounts. My fellow Lead Ambassadors and I will continue to interact with that hashtag even after convention ends. I also hope that you will share your Wise Words and teaching stories by visiting http://village.ncte.org/. It’s pretty cool to see your own writing appear on the NCTE website and read advice from others. After all, NCTE is your professional home, and I hope you will get the most out of your experience as a member!