It's been a wild few weeks.

The NTPRS conference and the IFLT conference we unbelievable.  I have so much to say I don't know exactly where to start...so I will just begin writing and see where it takes me.  :o)  Isn't that what blogging is supposed to be about?

First and foremost...the people.   I am not sure that I even have words to describe the experiences.  It was very cool to be able to say that I saw/met/spoke with some big names in the world and big names in the profession.  It was amazing, especially in the Chicago environment to bond with the other coaches as a team and a family.  It was way cool to meet the folks in Project Coach.  I was blessed with the opportunity to stay with an incredible family.  I was able to work more closely with people that I have "met" but haven;'t worked with (Donna Tatum, Diana Noonan, Linda Li, Carol Gaab) I reconnected with TPRS folks that I first met in Vegas or Vermont and haven't seen in years.  I "connected" with people who have been my cyber-friends for a very long time, but had never "met" face-to-face.  I had amazing conversations with people who have read my posts or blog.  I found friends in complete strangers.  I met people whose posts and blogs I have been following, but hadn't yet had the joy of meeting face to face.  I sat with, ate with, joked with, brainstormed with and bonded with an entire new set of "family". I met entire GROUPS of people from China, Japan, Alaska, Arkansas, the Misssissippi Delta (Go Teach for America!! Whoo hoo!!) and Denver who had come as a groups to get training and share the entire experience.  Wow. I met with people who were all alone in their district, unable to be a prophet in their own land....looking for a place, and a people, to call home.  These people made me laugh, made me cry, gave me goosebumps, gave me peace, inspired me, motivated me, humbled me.  

The second or third day in Chicago a participant said to me, "This is unlike any conference I have ever been to.  Where else would you go to an educational conference and frequently hear participants and presenters alike saying "I love you." out loud.?"

Oh yeah.  No where but here.  In Illinois or California.   I don't care if you call in CI, Storyasking,TPRS...whatever....HERE is where it is happening...in every way possible.

I wanted to record every moment to have available to play back.  I heard SO many gems of wisdom.  I saw so many Ah ha moments.  I felt so much love.  I witnessed so much joy.  

Second, the movement.  Both conferences were primarily attended by NEWBIES.  Wow.  Numerically that is AT LEAST 300 teachers from around the world who invested an entire week's time and energy (or in some cases two!!!!)to become a more proficient, focused, skilled, caring teacher.  I am heartened by this, truly heartened.

These two conferences also made a great effort to provide for folks


There are soooooo many talented, hard-working and powerful people out there...I was grateful that both conferences put space for them in their programs.

Next...Coaching AS PART OF THE PRESENTATION PIECE has a critical role.  In Chicago, Susie (Advanced Skill level group), Donna (Fundamental Skill level), Von (Intermediate Skill level) and Carol (Elementary School level)all utilized small coaching groups as part of their presentation.  Each of them utilized the groups in their own way and in each case it added to the participants' understanding of...and ability to develop...the skill (s) in question.  There is a lot of potential for development of this to improve it..but it really helped to have it.

and then...Open Coaching IS WHERE THE REALLY GOOD STUFF HAPPENS.  It doesn't matter how much experience you have had using these techniques in the classroom nor how many conferences you have been to nor even how many times you have been "coached"....this is where the deepest developments take place.  OPEN COACHING NEEDS TO BE AVAILABLE...not just to participate in...but to watch.   At BOTH conference additional open coaching was incorporated BECAUSE IT WAS NEEDED, ASKED FOR,AND WELL-UTILIZED.  

Finally...it takes a village to put one of these things together.  A village with a vision and a head council to keep things going in the right direction.  A village that gives and receives.  A village that deserves many thanks.  So, if you were in any way part of the village that hosted and organized either/and the NTPRS in Chicago or the IFLT in Los Alamitos...stand and be recognized...we salute you!!