The Best Teacher Conference Hands Down!

   This past spring my principal sent me an email: "you need to apply for this conference." I had not the slightest clue what the Mickelson Exxon Mobil Teachers Academy (MEMTA) was. I put it off. My science instructional specialist came to me a few weeks later reminding me I needed to apply. So, I did. I was one of 5 people in our district accepted. What an honor!

  One of MEMTA's goals is to treat teachers well! And boy did they ever! Everything was taken car of - EVERYTHING! Hotel, transportation (flight if need be), food, food, food and LOTS of goodies to take back to my classroom. I was literally squealing like a small child when I walked into the Marriott and saw my nerdy, teacher swag and first rate accommodations.
   I met some really great teachers from around the globe, as far as Australia, that week. All whom are passionate about educating children in the STEM subjects. I learned A LOT, in a very hands on and friendly way. I developed a stronger sense of understanding the process of learning math and science for kids. I discovered new and exciting activities and learning models that I will be implementing next year and years to come. I fell in love a little with science. I kinda have a crush on it now, to be honest.
   I had the opportunity to listen to some wonderful guest speakers. I was blown away by Barbra Morgans stories and inspirations as she told us about how she made the journey from teacher to astronaut! What an inspiration!
   Dr. Calvin Mackie inspired me to tears. His words, "teachers are on the front lines," resonated with me. He truly has a passion for education, learning and the STEM subjects. His words literally gave me goosebumps. It almost made me want to skip summer and run right back into my classroom, to change some young people lives. We are on the front lines. As teachers - sometimes we are all that can make the difference in a kids life. He lit a fire inside the teachers in that room. If you have an opportunity to hear Dr. Mackie speak, do not miss it!

   So if you are a Math & Science teacher, especially grades 2-5 - Go APPLY! Like, right now!
The Woodlands (where I went) and Pittsburg Academies are only open to invited districts - so contact to your science or math district coordinator to see if you can apply. However, the New Jersey academy is open to ALL! So, seriously - go apply. APPLY HERE


Here are a few pictures of our exciting week:

Spring ISD teachers

Science & Math Journaling - a must in the classroom! 

MEMTA treats teachers right! 

Oh my stars - the desserts were good! 

sample of a pin-up our group did of our group designed experiment at the end of the week