ACES from the eyes of teacher!

During the weekend of February 3rd, I attended the ACES conference with Mrs. Fry and 8 students from the Selinsgrove FFA chapter.  Going into the weekend, I knew what the kids would be doing

since I had gone all four years with my home chapter while in high school.  However, this time was completely different.  The students asked me in the van, "Miss Fisher what are we going to be doing at ACES?"  I was able to answer this with confidence and I ensured them that they were going to have a great time but as I was answering their questions, I found myself thinking the same thing.  What would I be doing during ACES?  I had never really thought about what the teachers do while the students go off to leadership workshops; I was about to find out! 

Professional Development 

There is always a workshop available for teacher to take part in that counts as professional development.  This year the workshop was offered up by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.  They wanted to inform teachers about the opportunities for students to learn about the watersheds in Pennsylvania and how the Bay Foundation can be used as a stepping stone for students to get involved with local sustainability.  We also go to do a hands on portion where we tested waters from local waterways to determine the health of that stream.  

Networking  

This weekend was a great opportunity for teachers to network with other teachers from across the

state.  In other words, we had time to catch up and chat with other teachers that we might not get to see all the time or talk to them about unique aspects of their programs.  I was able to sit and talk with many veteran teachers about my experience thus far and get tips on how to continue.  

Connecting with Students 

This was the biggest take away that I had from the weekend!  Since we took a relativity small group,

I was able to connect with each student better on a personal level.  I know that this was beneficial!  Since we have been back, I already can see a difference in the relationships that I have with those students and how we are able to connect even more in the classroom.  This also could be because they have a one up on other students since they go to see their student teacher be apart of the teacher karaoke!  Thankfully I knew the song I had to sing and they were able to get a good laugh from it.  

The ACES conference was always one of my all time favorites when I was a FFA member and now as a teacher I can say the same!  This was a absolutely great weekend and the way I was able to connect to other teachers, my cooperating teacher and most importantly my students cannot be replicated in any other way!!