Recent Conference Experiences Conferences around the region this fall have been a mixture of virtual and in-person events. SCOLT Board member Michelle Olah interviewed others regarding their experiences and the importance of being involved in this type of professional event. What would your answer to these questions be? What conference did you attend, what was the format and what were the benefits of attending a conference in that format? Mara Cobe (Attended FLANC virtual) The costs are reduced because there are no travel expenses, travel time (several hours each way) is not a factor, etc. Additionally, because I was presenting or facilitating multiple sessions, I was not able to attend other valuable sessions. With the online format, every session was recorded, and all attendees will have access to view those recordings for an extended time. This will allow me to see the sessions presented by my colleagues and the teachers from my district.
Pam Benton (Attended FFLA, in-person) It was wonderful to see people again and to reconnect with friends to share our stories and also resources, inspiration, and ideas. Lisa Worthington-Groce (Attended FLANC, virtual) My 25th high school reunion took place the same weekend and I managed to attend both!! Heidi Trude (Attended FLAVA, virtual) Attending a virtual conference allows me to go back and watch sessions that I wasn’t able to attend during the live conference. I can actually attend more sessions because of the virtual format with live sessions, pre-recorded sessions, and the ability to watch the recordings of the live sessions after the conference. Mark Linsky (Attended FFLA, in-person) The opportunity to interact with colleagues and exchange ideas during and between sessions is something that I have missed Grace Kellermeier (Attended FFLA, in-person; hybrid) Community, collaboration, sharing ideas, making connections! What made the conference that you attended special? What was a highlight? Mara C - I love that all attendees can engage in live chat during each session, and throughout the conference, as well as opportunities for "networking" with a random colleague. Even though we can't hug each other or share meals in this format, it is still special to connect during a protected conference time and have shared experiences. Pam B - The theme of this conference was equity and inclusion. I was particularly inspired by presentations by colleagues in conjunction with Equality Florida and JASMYN, and the keynote address by Dr. LJ Randolph. These presentations provided me with practical ways to begin to make our classes equitable to our students. Lisa W-G - A highlight was doing a joint presentation with my new colleague, who is a 2nd-year teacher. Heidi T - FLAVA is always special for me as I’m with my language family. Serving on the FLAVA board, I can say that a highlight was seeing our board put together a successful virtual conference. Another highlight was our awesome FLAVA Happy Hour which I got to host with two of my good friends! Mark L - The FFLA Conference was special because the people attending were so excited to be together again and in-person. We interacted with friends and colleagues that we have only seen on a screen for 20 months. Grace K - It was so special to be back face-to-face after a year of canceled or online conferences.
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