Let the Learning Continue

​In the past week, I have seen a plethora of conferences and trainings around the country.  My Twitter feed had tweets about conferences focusing on Special Education, English Language Arts, Math, and Women in Leadership. Why is it important for us to attend conferences?
 
It is easy to get comfortable in what you do and how you do it.  When you first begin a job, you are in learning mode and in some cases, a fast-paced learning mode.  However, once we learn the foundation of our jobs, we can sometimes get complacent.  
 
Education is constantly changing.  If you believe that statement, then explain to me how we can continue to do what we’re doing the way we’re doing it when the game is constantly changing?  We must keep up with the changes and also change our approach in order for our students to thrive in whatever system we find ourselves.
 
Conferences bring people together from around the region, state, and/or world.  I attended a conference two years ago that had participants from China, Australia, and Canada.  It was amazing to hear how they “do” education.  There were many things I heard from them that made great sense. It made me be much more reflective on our practices.  
 
Because conferences bring so many people together, attending conferences gives you the opportunity to hear and see what other educators are doing.  It gives you the opportunity to hear other ideas. Hearing other ideas will many times spark your creativity and give you new ways of “doing” education.
 
What conferences or trainings do you attend that have proven to be a great source of learning?