The South-Western Alberta Teacher's Convention was just last week, two days jam packed with sessions for teachers. This is my first time attending the sessions since I worked for the Convention last year.
I learned quite a bit from all the sessions I went to. I also had a great time going from vendor to vendor, checking out the resources, products, and freebies that they had!
However, my favourite experience was the closing keynote speaker on Friday, Drew Dudley, who discussed everyday leadership, how we have incredible impact on the people we encounter. As teacher, we all have huge influence over my students. He made us re-evaluate our own actions and those "everyday-moments" that might mean very little to us, but can change someone else's world.
One of the sessions I attended was put on by a history professor with whom I had taken a Canadian history class with two or three years ago. Years later, she still recognized me when I went to this session. I understand that professors can have hundreds of students come and go through the years. I would understand if my professors didn't recognize me, but it floored me that she would still remember me, even though I had only known her for one semester. It made me realize that, as a teacher, building connections and relationships with your students creates impact that lasts years. As a student, the very fact that my favourite history professors knew me made my day. As a teacher, I am beginning to understand the influence I have in my student's lives.
Overall, it was a great experience and I look forward to attending next year's convention!