What I Wish I Knew Before Attending GYTO with Jennifer Carter
This is part of a short blog series we’re launching to highlight what it’s like to attend Get Your Teach On for the first time, especially from a perspective of someone going by themselves.
One of our top asked questions is from teachers wanting to attend GYTO but hesitant to attend alone. So we wanted to provide you from first-hand insight from teachers who have attended solo. Check out Jennifer’s things she wish she could’ve known before attending GYTO solo.
What are the top three things you wish you knew before attending GYTO?
Let go of that fear: I think I was afraid to talk to people especially because they were “Instagram famous” and I would know all about them and they don't know me. At GYTO, everyone is so nice and they are there to hang out with you and most importantly there to support you.
Get ready to be in a community that is for YOU. At GYTO, you will find many, if not all teachers are in the same boat as you. Hard admin, challenging parents/students, never enough money etc. You are definitely not alone.
Take all the notes and review them each day. Right down your ideas at the conference so it’s easy to sort through when you get home.
What would you have missed had you not attended?
I would have missed out on feeling re-energized after a very tough year(s). You leave GYTO feeling empowered with all of the ideas plus you get the unique opportunity to collaborate with teachers that think like you and care about their students. You will leave feeling pumped up and ready to get back to teaching those kiddos.
Stepping outside of your comfort zone is a good thing. You will challenge yourself in new ways. What should people not be afraid to do?
Talk to people, ask people where they are from, what they like about their grade level, what projects or ideas have worked for their students.
SMILE I learned that my first time. If you are enjoying what you are doing... show it.
Also don't be afraid that you are too old. I remember after my first conference some ladies were standing in the hallway saying boy this isn't for us we are too old. It made me really sad to hear that. I would hope that no matter how long you have been teaching you can always keep learning and have a few things you can implement.
What are your tips to be able to soak it all in rather than get overwhelmed?
Take notes, I would also take pictures of the slideshows to keep as a reference.
I also knew there were some things I would use and some things I wouldn't and that is exactly how it should be, so I would make sure I focused on the things I would use.
When attending the conference, you don’t have to say yes to every strategy and concept that you see. You only need to say yes to the things that matter most for you and your students. What are some things you still use today from GYTO?
I always remember that building relationships with students is my number one priority.
Giving my students learning experiences is always better than a worksheet.
Sometimes you have to close your door and teach the kids the way they need to be taught.
Review doesn't have to be boring.
Stay Positive sometimes you can't change things. You have to work with what you got.
Help all of your students to be seen in your classroom.
There is not such thing as a bad kid.
What is your top piece of advice for someone attending the conference for the first time?
Don't miss a minute of this conference. GYTO is one of the most amazing PD's you can take part in. It’s fun, entertaining, full of information and research based. It's put on by teachers who have sat through those boring PD's and wanted something better for teachers.
After attending GYTO, what are a few things you’re most likely to do? Don’t hold back! These answers can be silly or funny!
Have a full Amazon Cart full of room transformation stuff AND every book Amelia recommends
Volunteer for things because you could win a prizes.
Have students knocking down your door everyday to get into your classroom.
On behalf of everyone at Get Your Teach On, I would like to thank Jennifer for taking the time to answer our questions about her experience at Get Your Teach On. We hope this is useful as you plan your trip and I look forward to seeing YOU at an upcoming conference!
-Hope
