Chicago Conference-Day 4

By the last day exhaustion had set in big time! I didn't get many pictures and I don't have many fun stories to tell. I will say that we got to the convention center a little late because getting 8 people with all their luggage, checked out of the hotel, into the car, and off is always a little challenging. I was disappointed becuase the session that I wanted to attend was how you can use iPads in the classroom (and we have class carts of iPads at our school) and I didn't get in. One thing I will say about this conference is that the rooms were small it was difficult to get into classes that were "high interest." After trying to get into that class I went to my second choice (full), then my third choice (full), finally it was 20 minutes after the session had started and I meandered into one that had the door open. It was BORING! It was all about how you can use academic vocabulary with English Language Learners--our school is already doing MORE than what the class had to offer, so I did the natural thing and left. I walked around the convention center, something I hadn't had the chance to do up until that point, and got free samples and some really good internet resources from history booths. It was fun to see all the new things that the profession had to offer.

Once the morning sessions were over it was time to eat and head to the airport. We got to eat at a delicious steak house called Weber Grill, YUM! Then we headed over to the airport, I got to see it SNOW! Naturally it was the normal airport experience and we got home in what seemed like forever (since we all were tired!)

It was such a blessing to be able to learn and grow in the presence of my peers. I  got so many ideas and fun things to take back to my classroom and I feel very blessed that I was asked to attend and represent my school. It was an experience I will never forget. I am so thankful for the friendships I made there and for the content I learned. I truly believe that this conference is going to propel me to that next step in my professional educational career.