Friday, November 6, 2015

Celebrate Turn #30


Each week Ruth Ayres extends an invitation to share and celebrate events, big or small, from our week.  Please join us and celebrate your week!

Today, I celebrate collaboration.

I am actually posting this celebration on Friday night because I am leaving in the morning to present at a conference at Indiana State University.  

Two months ago I received an email regarding proposals for this conference.  I have only presented a PD for our own district, and the thought of presenting at a bigger venue excited me.  Although I was intrigued by the idea, I knew I did not want to do this by myself.  So...

The search began.  

I knew what I wanted to present, so I knew I needed to find a teacher who had similar beliefs. 

The search continued.

I knew I needed to find a teacher who was passionate about reading.

The search continued.

I knew I needed to find a teacher who loved professional development.

The search continued.

Soon after I received the proposal email, I moderated our district's second Twitter chat.  One teacher "showed up."

The search ended.

Although I knew of this teacher, I can't say that I actually knew her well.  We taught at different schools and taught different levels.  (She lives in that scary world of kindergarten!)  I had no idea how she felt about reading, but I was willing to take a chance.  That night after the chat, I messaged her and asked if she would be interested in presenting with me.  The next thing I knew she said yes and "volunteered" one her colleagues, and we were submitting a proposal.

The three of us have worked together this past month trying to contain our passion in an hour long presentation.  It has been a wonderful experience getting to know them, sharing ideas, and collaborating.  This is a TURN I was not expecting, but one that is stretching me professionally.  I am so thankful they said yes, and have had the opportunity to work with both of them.

Next week I hope to be celebrating our presentation.



Have a great week, and may you find many celebrations along the way!

9 comments:

  1. I love how you repeated the line!
    What an exciting time for the three of you!
    Wish I could hear your presentation!

    ReplyDelete
  2. So excited for you. What an interesting "turn" to challenge yourself in this way! And I'm so glad you found the perfect two collaborators! Love your title and the visual. Can't wait for your celebration next Saturday!

    ReplyDelete
  3. YAY!!! This sounds like an amazing opportunity for you!! I'm so excited to hear how it goes!! Wish I could be there cheering you on!! Go Leigh Anne!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  4. What a great celebration! Way to chase a dream

    ReplyDelete
  5. I love this story of finding people with whom to collaborate. It is so great that you found other teachers who have similar beliefs. Good luck with your presentation!

    ReplyDelete
  6. How wonderful to take those next steps & do this, Leigh Anne. Now, as I write, I suppose you're on your way with these new colleagues to present. I'm sure it will be wonderful! Love the way you wrote the post!

    ReplyDelete
  7. I love the theme of your presentation and look forward to hearing more about it. I hope you will post and connect to DigiLit Sunday. I will be presenting twice at NCTE this year and it's two weeks away! I have got to figure out what I am saying. How did the time creep up on me? Hope you are knocking them dead while I write this comment.

    ReplyDelete
  8. How wonderful! I'm excited for you and your new partnership in learning. Looking forward to what happens today.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I hope your presentation was a wonderful experience for all involved. :)

    ReplyDelete