"So, shut up and just do it."

"So, shut up and just do it."

Before attending the KATE Conference this weekend, I did not know what to expect. Would I encounter disgruntled English teachers from across the state who were being forced to attend by the district? Or would everyone be here simply for a paid retreat away from their students? Or even just for cliquish bragging rights against rival schools?
My conceptions about what would occur and who would be present could not have been more amiss.

I staggered into the hotel around 8 a.m. Thursday morning, running a bit more late than I had hoped, and praying there would be some food left. Thankfully, I found the line for registration to be short; and next to registration, a BOUNTY of food! Although, I must have been too eagerly eyeing the buffet when a handful of people pushed their way in front of me at the registration table. I must admit, I was hoping this encounter would not foreshadow what the next 48 hours would hold.

As the conference officially began, I scarfed down the remainder of my eggs (delicious) and fished around in my tote for my laptop to take notes during the first keynote address: Dr. Howard Pitler.

Dr. Pitler, a seasoned education professional, lent some excellent insight into incorporating new technologies in our classrooms. But my favorite part was trying some of them out. Through his presentation he briefly explained several of the suggestions he had, and even noted which would be most appropriate for what grades. I rapidly (because he clicked quickly through the slides) typed notes on each tool he mentioned. So not only do I have lots to explore, but I have lots to share! Classmates: If you missed out on all the notes, I will bring them to class!  I was excited to hear that many of his suggestions were several I had heard of, but had been too afraid to try. However, my fears about using technology (Is it too radical? Is it too much? Will it work?) have been assuaged through a 9 a.m. keynote address on a Thursday morning. Who knew...

As I was only able to stay for half the day on Thursday, I was determined to make the most of the two breakout sessions. I anxiously deliberated between my four final choices and peered at the choices of my colleagues' attendance logs to see if we shared the same interests. Yet, I made the trek to the Topeka Room alone, hoping for some hands-on Language Arts and Crafts. The presenters had brought several unique, obscure, and definitely non-traditional projects to display. Each attendee received a packet that fully described the projects discussed in the presentation. I must report, however, that no crafts were made that day.    

Although the packet was lengthy, the presenters gave only a snapshot of each project; some needed further elaboration, and many teachers were happy to inquire further. I appreciate how practical these assignments were. Not much technology or resources were needed for each project, they could be altered to fit different texts, and the focus was not on the creativity but on the ideas and organization. In fact, they specifically mentioned that "bad artists" were not punished. Some of their best examples came from ugly pictures.

So far, so good. An exciting new-age keynote address and non-traditional projects without a poster in sight! Between break-out sessions I waited in line with the caffeine junkies trying to score a cup of hot water for my tea, and I found that this was the best way to chat with people---while they aren't scurrying to another break-out session, or looking through handouts picked up in a new session, and certainly not in the food line. This weekend, I proudly sported my College of Education name badge, hoping that it would denote that I was not yet employed, but soon hoping to be. And guess what: people noticed! I met several other former WSU students, a couple with who I had classes with my first semester here. Each person I spoke with was friendly and welcoming. I hope that these positive interactions will help me market myself well in upcoming job interviews.
ONE name drop never hurt anyone...

Although I was impressed with KATE Con, Day 1, I could not have anticipated Day 2.
Today, I got to meet Taylor Mali. Yeah, so he meets new people every day who are taken by his charisma, passion, and talent, but I don't get so close to fame that often, so I was pumped. So pumped in fact, that I arrived at 7 a.m., and I definitely ate like two and a half bagels.
#SoNervous #KateCon #TaylorMali

Before I met my Poetry group, I had one breakout session to choose wisely. The Poster Presentation group seemed lively, after all there were several listed, I thought it would keep me busy and keep my mind off of our "private time with Taylor" (that was for you, Krystal).
The large conference room in which the session was held was empty when I arrived. Maybe I'm early? I'll go get more tea. I come back. Nope, still empty. Three posters, three presenters, no other people attending. I discovered that these presentations were a come-and-go kind of thing. Although I went around to each presentation, asked questions, took notes, took pictures, it wasn't enough to fill an hour. In fact, I was in there for about 15 minutes. The idea behind this session is good: Some people may not want to give a lecture, or want the pressure of presenting to a large group, so they can have a display, and be there to answer questions. But for my taste and the amount of time, there were just not simply enough displays. Suggestion for next year:  have more poster presentations, please! :)

This did give me the opportunity to chat with a representative from Heartland who review and recommend young adult books to other Kansas teachers. I have their contact information, and ya know what, I think I'm going to get involved.

Finally, the time had come. My poetry students had arrived and we were meeting with Taylor Mali. I thought we would get some good pictures, receive some good feedback on how to improve their poetry, maybe even change it. But I learned something from this session that I didn't expect. I learned how I need to be teaching. Mali's style was direct: approachable, charismatic, humorous, but pin-point direct. He spoke with each student like he had known them in his own classroom. They were there to learn; they knew it and he knew it. He didn't let them get away with excuses. "I'm nervous...I can't help it...This is just how I am! I didn't even notice!...I can, but..." And his response was: "So, shut up and do it!" Clear enough. They giggled; they knew he wasn't mad or cruel. And another thing, they shut up and did it.
This is the key piece I am missing with my students. I have shown them I care, that I'm funny, that I am not boring. But I need to show them that we have something to learn, and that being the class clown will get you plenty of laughs and attention, but it won't help you or your peers learn. His lessons were fast paced---he stopped them in the middle of a word if something was wrong. He didn't let them make tons of mistakes before he corrected them. He corrected them as they came. When they fixed them, THEN they received praise. Each student was held accountable for what they should have learned from those who performed before them based on whether or not they implemented the changes he asked of them. It put pressure on them in front of other students and not to mention in front of a freakin' New York City poet (who happened to earn his masters from Kansas).
It certainly made me question, Can I pull this off...?

Our session time with Taylor Mali was extended another half hour, which was amazing. However, I am sad I missed Megan's presentation! I wanted to be there to support her. She is so dedicated, resourceful, organized, and giving, I wanted to be able to listen to her share what she is passionate about. I hear it went well, Megan!

With my first conference under my belt, I feel enlightened, elated, and inspired to go forth into the world as a student teacher in the weeks to come with several ideas I can get behind, and people who have shown that they are behind me. I have learned that, if nothing else, KATE Con is full of opportunities I never expected.