Conference Impressions

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.

What advice would you give to someone who hasn’t participated in state or regional conferences? OR What advice would you give to a first time conference attendee?

Mara C - Not only should you attend your state or regional conference, you should grab your PFF and submit a session! You'll get great ideas, resource suggestions and possibly shift your perspective on how you have been teaching. You'll also meet new colleagues, expand your PLN by finding new people to follow on social media, and return to your classroom more energized! First time attendees - select 1 or 2 sessions for each round that you think you want to attend. Think about why you want to attend them: the presenter, a specific topic, or ? Narrow your focus, perhaps by using a TELL Project self-assessment to determine your goal(s) for your learning. Take pictures, bookmark websites, add things to your Google Drive - but do not try to do everything new at the same time!

Pam B - Attend a conference! You’ll be hooked for life! For first time attendees, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Not only will you usually get it, you’ll also make a connection with someone who might turn out to be a new PFF (Professional Friend Forever).

Lisa WG - Talk to experienced attendees to find out which presenters always deliver!

Heidi T - Go to a conference and attend the sessions that you feel will be most beneficial to you and your students! Don’t be afraid to make new friends while attending a conference - introduce yourself to someone you don’t know and start a conversation! Don’t feel like you have to do it all - take breaks when you need to recharge!

Mark L - For first-timers, attend as many sessions as you can. Talk to your "shoulder partners" and make friends. Use the time between sessions to begin or continue a discussion. When you return to school, try some of things that you learned and share your learning with colleagues.

Grace K - Come and be a part of our World Languages instructional community! Be energized by passionate World Educators who get you! Come and share your ideas and perspectives!

What was something that you learned that you are looking forward to implementing in your classroom or share with your colleagues or teachers?

Mara C - Still processing - haven't seen all of the sessions yet!

Pam B - I’m looking forward to using our current lessons to find opportunities to incorporate, for example, narratives about community heroes of color or who are LGBTQIA+.

Lisa W-G - I attended an interesting discussion of what is meant by 'authentic resources' and look forward to taking this conversation back to my department.

Heidi T - This year Virginia is implementing new proficiency based standards for world languages. We had several great sessions that focused on ideas for easily implementing the new standards into our classes. .

Mark L - I learned about helping administrators observe and provide feedback for WL educators.

Grace K - I really enjoyed sessions that help us to include and affirm marginalized students. We must be inclusive and affirming, both in our classrooms and in our curriculum.