This is one of my busiest times of the year. I am honored to visit and spend time with teachers and school leaders from all over the country. I have spent time in the last 3 weeks in my car, on a train, in an airplane or at an airport. I have come away with tricks and strategies to make travel less exciting and professional development more exciting. Here are my top 5 takeaways from each:
Top 5 Travel Tips
- If you are traveling with Post It Notes, take them out of the packaging block before your bag goes through the x-ray.
- Porter airlines gives free beer on their flight and checks your bag all the way through to your destination
- Pay the Red Cap $5 at Penn Station and get on the train before anyone else
- Canadian airlines do not allow you to wear your headset during take off and landing- be ready for that!
- Always make friends with the gate agent- he/ she could be your last hope for getting on the earlier flight
Top 5 PD Tips
- If you are an administrator, sit with your teachers and leave the phone/ laptop in the office- unless that’s how you take notes
- Bring swag when you can- chocolate, Post Its, pens-
- Engage your audience- movement is key, reflection time helps the material marinate
- Have fun- this is meant to be meaningful and the more people laugh, the more they will remember
- Listen- actively pay attention to the vibe in the room- you will know when you need to shift gears
if you have any tips both for travel and PD, please pass them along to melaniee@prizmah.org.
Have a great fall!
Thanks for sharing, Melanie. Your 5 PD tips are also great teaching tips. Learning is learning!
1. Be present with your students
2. Surprise your students with a treat – a new pencil, a sticker, a new game for the classroom
3. Let your student move – and allow them to reflect
4. Fun and laughter are not time-wasters. They help open children up to learning.
5. Listen to the vibe and listen for students voices!