I had the pleasure of attending the California Teachers Summit in Pasadena.
It was a great experience.
Over 15,000 teachers and school administrators attended the 33 locations where the event took place. Although there was a satellite site in my school district, I wanted to be at the main site – Pasadena. 
I was impressed by how well the Summit was run. With so many volunteers helping teachers find their way around, it was a great experience for me.
The two keynote speakers, Actress, Yvette Nicole Brown and Astronaut, Leland Melvin were both very inspiring.
My greatest takeaway was participating in the Edcamp experience. Even though it was not an exact version of what Edcamp is like, it gave me and many of the attendees a taste of this collaborative model of professional development.
I can’t wait to attend an actual Edcamp in my area.
Another reason I wanted to attend the Pasadena site was because I learned that my friend and one of my guests on The Amazing Teacher Podcast, Brad Currie, was going to fly in from New Jersey to attend. It was good to shake his hand and thank him for all his support of me and SITC.
He introduced me to some of his friends, Lisa Dabbs, Rosa Isiah and David Culberhouse, who are also making an impact on education with their blogs and books. They were so nice to allow me to share lunch with them.
I must say, I was a little disappointed and surprised, however, when David asked a room of teachers how many were on Twitter, and only about three – including me – raised their hands.
Twitter is such a great resource, and to see that so few teachers are taking advantage of it is a little disappointing.
I’m encouraged, however, that events like California Teachers Summit is introducing so many educators to the benefits of Edcamp and collaborating through tools like Twitter and other Social Media.
I’m so glad I took the day off of work to attend the conference.
Now, I have to take what I learned and start implementing it at my school.
Until next time, here’s to your Success in the Classroom!
Thank you,
Sam
Make sure you follow my friend on Twitter:
Brad Currie @bradmcurrie
Rosa Isiah @RosaIsiah
Lisa Dabbs @teachwithsoul
David Culberson @DCulberson
Let them know that Sam sent you.
