Not long ago, I was walking down the hall with my principal. I told her that Lester Laminack was going to be presenting in a neighboring state in April and that I planned on going to see him as I had Georgia Heard last year. The event is scheduled on a Saturday and the price is very reasonable. She encouraged me to attend and asked me to spread the word within our building.
Once others heard, they too expressed interest in attending the conference. I returned to my principal to pitch an idea. I asked her if we could trade an upcoming professional development day for attending the Saturday conference in April. That would mean those going to see Lester Laminack could have the scheduled March professional development day off in compensation. I also asked if she would pay the sixty dollar fee for the conference. She thought that was a great idea and took the proposition to the superintendent. I was shocked when I got the answer.
The superintendent and the principal whole-heartedly supported the plan and asked teachers interested to please commit quickly so the entrance fee could be submitted. Over half of our teaching staff took the offer and plan on attending the April conference. Car pools are being planned and teachers are looking forward to the Saturday pilgrimage to New Hampshire.
What I thought was a shot in the dark turned out to be an easy trade with full support from our administration. That is why I am writing this piece, drinking a second cup of coffee and I am still in my bathrobe on this rainy Friday morning.
Wow! I am sitting here kind of shocked that it was that easy. I have been to a professional presentation of any kind that was district supported. I may have to ask the next time one comes up.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great story! Thanks for the reminder that it never hurts to ask!
ReplyDeleteIt is pretty amazing that the administration agreed considering the day off would be before the conference. Lucky you getting to see Lester. I have heard him speak several times and always walk away with so much to think about. It is exciting that lots of staff will go, this will create an atmosphere of "we can change" because everyone will be inspired.
ReplyDeleteThat is so exciting! I'm so glad you were able to attend, not to mention coming up with a clever proposition. I have learned the hard way it is better to ask and be sure than to assume it could never happen. Great story!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the day off, Wanda! I'm looking forward to the Saturday workshop. It should be fun and motivating!
ReplyDeleteI am lately asking students to make sure they have a reason for writing something; i.e., what's the point? Your slice is so clever, making the importance very clear at the end. And-hurrah for your principal!
ReplyDeleteWow! That is fantastic! It's so encouraging to know that there are still administrators out there who support alternative PD proposed by teachers who know what they need in order to improve their classroom practice. I hope you will share about your day with Lester Laminack. Maybe even a guest post on Two Writing Teachers??
ReplyDeleteBravo Wanda,
ReplyDeleteI'm with Elisa. So good to hear that you are supported in the atmosphere of teacher bashing.
I want to know how it was? Guest post here? Great idea Elisa,
Bonnie
Small victories are so motivating! I think it is especially fun when groups from the same school or district attend together.
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