Happy Sunday, friends! After a wonderful week in Vegas meeting the most wonderful friends and teachers, I am safely back in Kentucky. The past few days have been a whirlwind of learning and friends, and a week in which the blogging and TpT world became a whole lot more real. It was really the best kind of week! ๐
My purpose in going to Las Vegas was two-fold. Tuesday through Thursday, I attended SDE: Differentiated Instruction conference and on Friday I attended the inaugural Teachers Pay Teachers conference! I’m going to share pictures below but have other posts planned to share about what I specifically learned. ๐
One of my favorite SDE sessions was Jim Grant’s “What Extraordinary Teachers Do Everyday.” We laughed the entire time, and I left so excited to greet my new groups of students.
Talking about Remind 101 and an awesome Writing Workshop model, I was able to meet and learn from Erin Klein. She was so genuine. Including so many students samples and pictures that I could truly see her writing workshop ideas. Loved it!
Another highlight of the week was attending a fabulous Creative Brainstorming session with Dave Burgess. He was so full of energy and reminded me a lot of Ron Clark (one of my favorite teacher-icons). I was so impressed by Dave that I ordered his book, Teaching Like a Pirate 10 minutes into his session. ๐ His session included fantastic ideas about getting kids amped up and engaged in learning. Wow, wow, wow!
On the 5th floor of the conference center were over 100 vendors and education companies. From Lakeshore to Learning A-Z, there was so much goodness in one room. After ogling all of the amazing resources and not purchasing anything for 3 WHOLE DAYS, I broke down. I am now the happy owner of 25 sit spots! They were on sale and in neon colors, so I just couldn’t resist any longer. I cannot wait to put them to use this August! ๐
As a teacher-blogger, so much of my world and my friendships are virtual. From Facebook groups to text messages to blog comments, we very rarely have the opportunity to meet each other face-to-face. This December I had the blessing to attend the Nashvegas Blogger Meet-up and met the amazing Sarah (A Rocky Top Teacher). My second night in Vegas we were able to reunite and catch-up with one another. I also met Nicole (All Things Apple in 2nd Grade) who is only a hop and a skip away from me, in Indiana. We are planning a Teacher-Marathon Run/Meet-up in the future, and I cannot wait! These ladies are so, so sweet, and fantastic teachers. It was so sweet to be able to talk and hug in person. ๐
Hosted by the lovely ladies of Blog Hoppin’ the #2014vegasmeetup was a smashing success. Over 600 bloggers and teachers came together to meet one another and chat. It was such a fun evening and my cheeks hurt after Molly and I left. Before the shindig began we had the chance to meet Hope (Second Grade Shenanigans) and talk about the amazing Ron Clark Academy. I am definitely jealous of her upcoming adventure teaching 5th/6th grade ELA at the Ron Clark Academy! She was so kind and easy to talk, too. Hope was definitely one of the favorite teachers I met this week. Also featured below is the amazing Amy (Teachers Pay Teachers), Mandy (Mandy’s Tips for Teachers), Jenny (Luckeyfrog’s Lilypad), Vicki (Teaching and Much Moore), and Molly (Lessons with Laughter).
At the #2014vegasmeetup, there were so many teaching goodies that we were given by Scentos, Creative Teaching Press, and GoNoodle. A huge shout-out goes out to their awesome donations. All of this goodness made it back to Kentucky with me and will be put to great use in the coming months!
Greeting us upon registration Thursday, was the TpT Way – a perfect explanation of what we, teacher bloggers/sellers, are all about! My favorite: “We are TpT Sellers and we are changing the rules.” #preach #yesweare #gametime
The best part of the TpT conference was the chance to meet in-person the friends and bloggers I had met in the cyber-world. It was a wonderful 2 hours of talking and eating and picture-taking and idea-swapping and talking and SO much laughing. The entire trip was worth these 2 hours! Shout-out to these amazing bloggers below – Holly (4th Grade Flipper), Joanna (Head Over Heels for Teaching), Jessica (Joy in the Journey), Rosie, Kelly Anne (Appleslices), Molly (Lessons with Laughter), THE Deanna Jump (Mrs. Jump’s Class), and Cara Carroll (The First Grade Parade).
At the mixer held by Courtney (Ramonna Recommends) and Kristen (Easy Teaching Tools) I was able to meet some of my favorite upper-elementary teacher/bloggers. They were so super sweet and so full of energy. After meeting them, I would love to go visit their amazing classrooms!
There were so many highlights, but the sweetest moment was thanking Paul for changing our teaching world. He has created a community of teachers who feel more connected, more powerful, more respected, and better equipped to change the lives of children. I am so grateful for Paul and his endeavor!
Well friends, it was a fabulous week full of amazing friends and learning! I cannot wait to share with you all of my learning throughout the next few weeks. Leaving Las Vegas, I came away with a notebook full of ideas and tidbits. This year is going to be wonderful!!! Talk to you soon. ๐
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Looks like you had an amazing time!! I loved seeing all the fun happen through IG!! Can't wait to read what you learned!
Rachel
A Tall Drink of Water
It was an amazing week!! I can't wait to hear all about the great things you learned about, and how you are going to put them into your classroom!!
Mrs. 3rd Gradeย
LOOOOOOOOOOVED seeing you again. I am so honored to call you friend!!
-Sarah
A Rocky Top Teacher
Such a fun week! We've been counting down the days and talking about the conference for so long, I can't believe that it's over already! It was so wonderful to meet you in person, Catherine! Nice to get to hug a kindred spirit ๐ I'm looking forward to continue reading about your upcoming adventures – I'll be praying for you, friend!
~Jessica
Joy in the Journey
It was a pleasure to finally meet you in person, Catherine! What an incredible weekend with amazing teachers and bloggers. Can't wait until next year!
-Jaime
Bright Concepts 4 Teachers
It looks like that trip was so much fun!! I envy (in a good way) you all for being able to go! I can't wait to read all the ideas you will be sharing. I'm looking forward to next year, because I am SO going!! ๐
Jamie
Thrills in Third Grade
Oh my goodness! How fun! Thank you for sharing all of your pictures. You have to let me know how your sit spots are (aka convince me to buy them). I haven't been able to bring myself to do it yet ๐
Hope
Teaching With Hope
Cathrine I loved meeting you and hearing your story behind your blog name. You are adorable!
Vicky
Teaching and Much Moore