My name is Leigh Ann Champion. I am a middle school science teacher at The Westfield School. I had the awe-inspiring experience for the second year in a row of attending the FETC(future educational technology conference) along with four of my colleagues. We had an amazing experience. We had the privilege of listening to keynote speakers such as, Reshma Saujani who is the CEO/founder of Girls who Code. Also, the 2014 National Teacher of the year Sean McComb, from Baltimore County Public Schools. To me, the best speaker, Leland Melvin American Engineer and a NASA astronaut who flew on the Challenger Atlantis in 2007 and 2008. Now, Leland is involved with the NASA education program. What amazing speakers with so much knowledge and love for his or her students. The main aspect I received from each of these speakers is his or her PASSION for what they do and the difference they make in students lives. Their passion was what drove each of them to go above and beyond the call of duty and to make a difference in whatever it was they put their hand to. We as teachers must have the same passion and desire to reach our students. Teachers must NEVER settle for mediocrity. We should always be striving to make ourselves better for our students. For our students and ourselves, we should be lifelong learners always looking for improvement. Times are changing quickly for our students, and we must meet them where they are in this ever-changing world. We cannot be complacent and just settle for average. Be a life-long learner and grow.
Just to tell you a little about our week and our schedule. We arrived at the conference on Tuesday morning. All four of us spent the days in workshops from 8 in the morning till about 8 that evening. A long day with lots of learning. In these different sessions and workshops, all four of us went to different grade levels and topics to cover a wide variety from elementary through high school. We listened to individuals speak on such topics as STEM, STEAM, Maker Spaces, Augmented Reality, and Robotics. There is a big world out there waiting for us to become a part of with our students. As teachers and student, let us work together and take this educational adventure. Buckle up and let’s go for a ride. If you are interested in hearing more about this adventure at FETC, I would be happy to share more with you. We have got lots of things to show our fellow teachers! Join in on the excitement! Be Blessed!
The Westfield School Blog 