#mtasummer Finale

ePortfolio Workshop

On the final day of the MTA Summer Conference, George Snider, an MTA retiree educated me about the upcoming senatorial and presidential elections.  His comments dovetailed with the previous night's Ed Talks and discussion with filmmaker, Dr. Maynard Seider, which prompted me to act more to affect positive change. We are a "government of the people, by the people, for the people" and Snider reminded me of the importance of our contribution towards elections, voting and speaking up for the rights of all.  After all, if we live in a country where everyone feels like they have a place, a voice and the chance for "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness," we will more likely be a peaceful, prosperous people.  When the lion's share of power and money go to a few, the chance for success for all diminishes.

After that I presented an ePortfolio workshop to a wonderful group of educators.  We are fortunate to live in a state that values education. We are also fortunate to belong to a union that takes the time to plan and implement a wonderful professional development opportunity like the MTA Summer Conference.  Massachusetts is moving in the right direction when it comes to education.  We still have room for growth so that we create conditions for excellence in every Massachusetts school and streamline systems so that most of the time and effort is spent on activity that directly impacts student learning.

Thanks for following my many tweets and posts in the past few days; I just could not resist sharing such a positive event with so many.  Hopefully, next year, more of my local and State friends and colleagues will join me at the MTA Summer Conference, and possibly my colleagues outside of Massachusetts will plan and/or attend similar events in their own states and countries. When teachers gather together to collaborate around the needs of students, there is much to be gained.