ECET2 Seattle July15–17 2015

Heard. Celebrated. Empowered. Transformed.

Looking back at my experience at ECET2 National in Seattle, these are the verbs that keep resonating with me.

When I was first asked to be a part of the ECET2 Chicago Regional planning team in early 2014, I thought to myself… “This seems big- am I big enough for this?” — “Do I have enough time and energy to devote to such a big job?” — “Am I worthy?”

I had just begun to share my pregnancy when the opportunity arose, and I am so thankful that I pushed my doubts aside and devoted myself to this unique opportunity for teacher leadership. I learned so much in such a short time about what putting on an event like this entails with the leadership of the Bronke team- Kristen and Chris. The date of our event was scheduled for October 3, 2014… I was due October 6th. I bought my dress and cute shoes and was ready… so was my beautiful baby. He was born October 1st. Needless to say- I missed our event.

Back at work after my maternity leave, I received more exciting news. I had been invited to the National ECET2 convening in Seattle. Quickly and efficiently, plane tickets were scheduled, hotel rooms were reserved, and car service was arranged to bring me- a teacher- to Seattle for a three day convening designed to bring teacher leaders from across the nation to collaborate, network with each other, and share our passion for education. Each of us had been nominated by someone who felt we were worthy of the invitation. What an honor.

Before this event, teaching had become something of an uphill battle for me. I loved, loved, what I did every day in my classroom with students, but negative media attention, endless testing, and the bureaucracy of it all had started to take its toll. I was feeling left out of the conversation and felt the powers that be were dictating what education should be.

ECET2 Seattle was a game changer for me. I arrived in Seattle- still unsure what I had to offer this unique concert of teachers- and immediately made friends with a young, sketch noter- who brought colored pens to record her experience. It felt like serendipity. I was among my tribe.

To say that I enjoyed the private event at the Seattle Aquarium (and its open bar), and the spectacular food, and all the hot coffee I could drink (I am, after all, a new mom of two) — would really diminish the overall feeling and spirit of this event. All of those things were incredible- who does that for -teachers- but what I found so inspiring was the fact that our opinions mattered. The keynote speakers were not just incredible but they were -teachers- just like me. We were heard and we had the opportunity to share, with other solution oriented peers, how we thought we could make education better.

Shortly after arriving in Seattle, I received an email saying that based on the responses to a survey I had completed, that the Gates Foundation would like to interview me for a video piece. I was shocked and a little bit nervous about what this would mean. I was assured that they would make me look and sound good… how could I refuse?

I showed up for my appointment and stood in front of the green screen and lights, nervously cracking jokes about how I should gesture for today’s weather… and was told that based on my comments about teacher preparation they would like me to speak about it. I anxiously tried to recall what I had said about teacher preparation in my survey and then was handed a sheet of paper. My interviewer said, “This is what you wrote- would you like to look it over?” I couldn’t believe it. In all my 13 years of filling out surveys, no one had ever said this is what you wrote. It’s important. I couldn’t believe that I, an elementary school teacher, had been heard.

All of this and in less than 24 hours. Incredibly, the experience did not stop there. Melinda Gates was our keynote speaker at lunch that day. I have to admit, I have a bit of a girl crush. She spoke so eloquently and with such conviction about education- but what I loved most was her message. She said she is often in schools and sees amazing, important things happening everyday and that the media’s message doesn’t portray our reality. She said she always tells policy makers, “We have to listen to the teachers. We have to trust the teachers.”

It felt so empowering to have such a powerful ally on our side. Finally! Someone who truly saw what we do- everyday- for kids!

My transformation began to take shape on Friday. I was invited, again, based on my survey results to take part in additional workshop on social media. The Gates Foundation brought in Vicki Davis -a teacher- from a small town in Georgia, who is transforming the face of education with her 100,000 Twitter followers. They also brought in professional blogger Morra Aarons-Mele to share tips and help us find our own voices. I was given the opportunity to sit in a room with 12 other -teachers- and connect again about what it means to be an educator in 2015 with coaches who have continued to be there for me on my new journey.

My mind was reeling with what I had learned over my jam-packed three day conference in Seattle. I stayed until Monday processing all the things I heard, learned and shared. I was so empowered, valued and cared for during my stay. On the way home, my computer was out, my heart was full, and I was ready write. A -teacher- new again, with more to contribute.