MEA

Minnesota Education Association sets aside two days every October for educators to gather, learn, and share. Today, I am thrilled to attend!!

Mr. Leom and I are thankful for grandparents who are willing to meet at 6:00 am to spend the day with our children for our early trek to the Cities to participate in this professional development opportunity!

We checked out the venders, because they offer lots of free stuff and new ideas. 

Some of the venders

There is an entire row of schools that additional educational licenses, masters degrees, administrative degrees, and more. Another set of venders are places available for field trip learning opportunities.  One year, I was selected for 25 free passes to Valley Fair for my class!! This year, I scored a free pencil for every student in room E113!

We loved the McDonald's Ice Cream Cone!

Then, we attended sessions. Mr. Leom attended a class on Math Accommodations. I learned about assessments using iPads.

the new Bloom's Taxonomy

Next, we headed for the keynote speaker in Roy Wilkins Auditorium. We got seats in the fourth row, front and center. We heard the president of MEA, Denise Specht, speak. She introduced the Minnesota Teacher of the Year, followed by the keynote speaker, Paul Tough, speak. 

He is a best selling author and journalist. We met him, shook his hand, and had our copy of one of his books, "How Children Suceed" signed.

At past conventions, we shook hands with Henry Winkler ("the Fonz"), and also heard James Earl Jones speak, Watergate reporter Bob Woodward,  politicians, and now we met Paul Tough.

Today, we are appreciating the opportunity for necessary professional development! Feeling inspired ...