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professional development for STEM teachers

Ideas for Professional Development for STEM Teachers 2024 [ep.158]

Ideas for Professional Development for STEM Teachers 2024 [ep.158]

professional development for STEM teachers

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Episode Summary

Have you been wondering what types of STEM professional development you should be participating in? What are the best STEM professional development opportunities available? In today’s episode, I’m sharing ideas for professional development for STEM teachers in 2024. The resources and ideas I’m breaking down will cover three categories of professional development types, giving you lots of options.

 

In this episode, you’ll learn:

  • 2024 in person conferences and virtual summits for professional development for STEM teachers
  • Additional resources available for professional development for STEM teachers
  • Tips for getting the most out of these professional development opportunities

Resources Mentioned:

Episode Transcript: 

Naomi Meredith [00:00:00]:

As a STEM teacher, what types of professional development should you be looking for? And, honestly, what is actually out there that will be helpful? In today's episode, I'm going to be sharing with you some resources and different ideas to help you with your professional development as a STEM teacher for 2024. 


Listener Message [00:00:56]:

Hi, Naomi. This is Evelyn. I was emailing back and forth with you not too long ago, just the other day. And I was wondering if you would have any insight on what the best professional development for STEM is, in terms of teachers just like you who are teaching pre-k through 5th to attend. I'm very new to STEM, just like you, and I would love to do some paid professional development that my school is actually willing to pay for. And so I'm researching right now, but I was wondering what it is that you would recommend.


Naomi Meredith [00:01:30]:

Thank you so much for submitting your audio question. I appreciate this so much. I love it when you guys ask me questions like this or when it's an audio message because they do actually pop up in my email, and it is just so fun to listen to your guys' voices. Because I am here in my home office, my little dog Frederick is staring at me. And so it's just so different when I can hear your voice and interact with you. So thank you so much. If you wanna record a message like this, if you have a question for me, you can do that from your phone. Just head on over to naomimeridith.com/voice.


Naomi Meredith [00:02:11]:

When I was teaching in a school so I teach them in lots of different ways. But when I was in a school, and I moved from being a classroom teacher for 6 years and into the k through 5 STEM space, I had a whole different appreciation for specials teachers when it came to professional development. And, really, a huge thing with professional development is it is targeted towards classroom teachers, which makes sense. That's the majority of the staff where they're working in their homeroom and working on all of those standards and learning goals, which, as a STEM teacher, you should be doing too, but in your own different way. But it often was really frustrating because none of the professional development was things that I wanted to learn about in STEM specifically. Like, is there something that will help me plan a STEM lesson that is engaging for the time that I have with students? What is the new technology out there I should be learning about? What are some topics that are important in STEM to make sure that my lessons are relevant and modern? Who are some other STEM teachers that I can connect with and learn from since I'm the only one in the building? You might have similar experiences as I did, and so I am coming at you with a list of things that you can do in 2024 starting this summer, and feel prepared to go into your next school year for whatever adventures you have in STEM. For this podcast episode, I have things broken up into 3 categories. For these categories and the things that I mentioned, everything is going to be linked in the show notes for you.


Naomi Meredith [00:04:01]:

So feel free to take notes, but also you can head over to those where things are clickable and easy for you to find. So, let's jump in. The first set of professional development opportunities to consider is conferences. And I don't know if you have seen the episode of Abbott Elementary. My teacher, Honey, and I love watching that show. But on one of the episodes, Janine and I forget her good bud that she really is friends with. She and the other guy, they are they go to a teacher conference, and they are so excited. They're making a list of all of the things that they want to go see, and they're super pumped up about all the things about the conference, the swag bags, and talking with other teachers.


Naomi Meredith [00:04:50]:

They are all about it. And then there's a couple of other teachers at their school as well who are more seasoned which is fine, but they're really not about the conferences. And that really is me. I love going to conferences. I love talking to people and connecting. And my teacher, Honey, not so much. So and he teaches Spanish, so he wouldn't be going to a STEM conference with me anyway. And so, if you are able to do something in person, I am going to mention some really cool conferences to keep an eye out for if you're able to go, but also check to see if there are local things as well.


Naomi Meredith [00:05:26]:

For this episode, I couldn't list every single conference opportunity that is out there in every single state. But if you are able to do something in person, I highly recommend it because the virtual stuff is really great, which I am gonna talk about, and I love the use of technology. Hence, this podcast, I am so grateful for technology, but there's something different about being in person and chatting with people and having those conversations and the body language and their voice interaction. Conference to conference to keep your eye out for, this is in Colorado. It's from June 19th through 21st in 2024. It is Steve Spangler's Science Conference. You probably have heard of Steve Spangler. He's actually a local, I guess, local semi-celebrity here in Colorado, and he's on our news all the time.


Naomi Meredith [00:06:27]:

I haven't met him yet, but he does a lot of cool things locally with kids. But he's actually hosting a conference that is hands-on and interactive and fun for teachers, where it has some more of that conference, but also workshop type style where you actually get to try out some things to do with kids. So that's here in Colorado. If you haven't been, check it out. But that also leads into the next conference I'm going to talk about that's also in Colorado. So you can actually stay. They go back to VACC, so stay for Steve's and then come to the other one. I will not be at Steve's conference, but that's something that is definitely up my alley.


Naomi Meredith [00:07:05]:

But I will be at this next one, and the next one is ISTE, which is a huge national conference. This is actually ISTE. They have it in different places, but it was in Denver another time before. And I was teaching 3rd grade at the time. I remember this. I went down with one of my good friends I taught with, actually, Becca, who you've heard on this podcast. We went down to the conference together. We were able to go, and it was such a pivotal moment for me that this conference really sparked so much in me to what technology and innovation and hands-on learning means with kids and something I found I was really passionate about and wanted to learn more.


Naomi Meredith [00:07:51]:

And so there's just so many cool things, soaked up all this different information, and it's really cool looking back when I attended ST at the time and where I'm at now where, yes, I get to be at sessions and still continue to learn, but I'm really excited to talk to people. You may or may not know this, Mommy. I love to chat with people. It's, like, one of my faves. So, I love to chat, and I'm so excited to go to this. I will be there all the days. And the board that I'm on for INEDCO Innovative Education Colorado, we typically put on a conference every summer as well. But because of ISTE, we are actually partnering with ISTE and supporting them with other things with the conference.


Naomi Meredith [00:08:36]:

Not a whole lot, but some items that we are involved in. And one of those is we are running playground sessions. So, if you go to ISTE and you look up playgrounds, I actually went toward the space a couple of weeks ago. It's like it's a newer build in this convention center, but if you go find the playgrounds, there's regional, there's other types of playgrounds. But if you look for the local playgrounds that are Colorado based, it's in this huge room. I might be hanging out over there or asking somebody with an INEDCO shirt. They'll know. They can text me.


Naomi Meredith [00:09:12]:

If you wanna meet, I would love to meet you. So, if you end up going, please let me know. Some of you have actually reached out to me on Instagram and asked if I'm going and if I'm presenting. So yes and no on the presenting part. I will be presenting some playground sessions, so they are more interactive, you get a chat with me, so not like a go, sit, and listen to type of thing. However, we were all told on the board that we all needed to have a couple of presentations in our back pocket if anything were to happen. So I could be doing, like, a pop up presentation. So keep an eye out.


Naomi Meredith [00:09:49]:

I definitely am active on social media. Message me on there. But this is just an amazing conference. It's all things innovation, not just technology. It has evolved over the years, but what does this type of learning look like in schools? What should we be talking about? A big thing I know is that there are a lot of sessions about our AI. So, keep an eye out. I would love to chat. Like I said, this is a great conference and so much fun.


Naomi Meredith [00:10:17]:

And Denver is a lot is a blast. It's actually at a really cool location, and there's a big bear looking into the building. So you'll have a lot of fun. Alright. If you wanna kick continue to book up your summer, here's another one shortly after ISTE, but you gotta make your way to Florida. That is a long flight from Colorado, and it is the Spaceport Area Conference. And so all things space, oh my gosh. I would love to go to this, but I can't fit in that many conferences.


Naomi Meredith [00:10:44]:

I wish I could. But it's at the Kennedy Space Center, and it's all things space. And this just sounds so amazing. And it is really important to see these things in real life. And even as a teacher, you have these experiences, especially if you're in a location that is doing such important work like space, you can take those experiences back to your students. So those are some fun ideas to get you started. Definitely look up again things that are local for you, because it is a game changer when you get to be in person with other people who are passionate about the things that you are doing. Likewise, there are a bunch of virtual summits that come out during the spring and into the summer.


Naomi Meredith [00:11:28]:

And it's really good to mix these into because this type of learning, you can definitely do on the go and in your own time. One thing I like to do with virtual summits, because typically they're prerecorded and there are some live elements, is if I, register for these types of summits, I like to watch the sessions, like, when I'm on a cardio machine. So that way, I'm still getting a workout in but also learning. That is a huge hack that I definitely have done. And if I'm not finished or wanna listen to another one, when I'm done showering, and I'm getting ready, blow dry my hair, I will have some earbuds in and tune in to that session. So if you're like, I don't have time to learn. I don't have time to learn. That it was it's a huge game changer.


Naomi Meredith [00:12:13]:

I do this all the time still. So if you're looking for ways to fit in those conferences and it's like, oh, it's one more thing, combine it with something else that you're already doing. So, some virtual summits, there's a bunch out there. One that came out today, at the time of this podcast recording, just in time for teacher appreciation week, is the Spring International STEAM Summit by Wonder Workshop. This summit is absolutely free. I actually was our keynote speaker last year, which was a super fun experience. The fun thing, too, I was actually at home, but it was live, so that was very different. I couldn't see everybody's faces.


Naomi Meredith [00:12:51]:

So maybe one day, I will be doing a keynote in front of a bunch of people live. We shall see. You heard it here on the podcast. But it's really cool. You don't have to have Dash the robot to be able to attend. There are a lot of sessions about that. I will be speaking about Wondermark workshop-themed stations that you can do, as well also why you would do STEM stations. But there are some other sessions as well that other people are presenting about that are all things STEM or STEAM.


Naomi Meredith [00:13:20]:

So really fun to check it out. There's a smaller list of presenters, which is okay because you probably can listen to all of them within a week or 2. So, definitely check it out. The live call kicks off tonight. It will be recorded. Make sure to register because there are some incentives and some prizes. Also, this is a time when they like to announce a lot of cool things that are up and coming, so make sure to find me there. Another summit that is a fun one with similar vibes, some are about the product, some aren't, is Seesaw Connect.


Naomi Meredith [00:13:55]:

Again, make sure to register. It says that spots are filling up where not everyone will be able to attend, which is new this year, so make sure you sign up. But it is free as well. And I'm also presenting at this one all about STEM Music Park, one of my favorite units to teach. I think I say that all the time that it's my favorite unit to teach because they are. But this one's really cool too. Again, it is prerecorded, the same kinda thing with some cool incentives, different ways to learn about STEM, and even ways to implement Seesaw in your classroom. This was a tool that I used all the time as a classroom teacher and then used it consistently and all the time when I taught STEM.


Naomi Meredith [00:14:36]:

So, if you want to learn more about what Seesaw is, this would be a great introduction to that. I have had some people wondering, well, how do I even connect this together? And so, just a really cool conference as well. That one isn't until August, so you have some time. Oh, and it's a summit, not a conference. And then another one that truly is on the go that is all podcast style, and I love that some of these summits are doing this where it's audio only, there's no video whatsoever, is this back to school audio summit. When I get more information, and maybe even by the time this episode comes out, I will have the links. But this one's really cool where it's a lot of different things about education, for elementary and and things that, again, can get you pumped up for the next school year. I am actually talking about things that are STEM-related that actually work for classroom teachers or homeschool parents as well.


Naomi Meredith [00:15:31]:

And during this summit, there are actually new things that come out each month. So things will come out in May, June, July. I think it's actually June, July, August. June, July, and August, new topics will be coming out in this audio summit. I'm not sure if it's free or paid. If it is paid, it's not very much. I'm so sorry I'm vague on the details, because I don't have all of them yet. But I am presenting 3 different things that can help you with your prep during the summer.


Naomi Meredith [00:15:59]:

And mine are about STEM, so, make sure to check those out. And the last set of things when it comes to professional development resources are things that I create for you. This podcast is called The Elementary STEM Coach for a reason, and I have those lesson ideas for you ways to help support you in your classroom. I create professional development. And so there's a lot of different options that are a lot like, more involved, less involved, whatever you're looking for. First of all, is this podcast, but make sure that you use the time you listen to this podcast each week. Turn in those hours. And you don't need to go through them, like, oh my gosh.


Naomi Meredith [00:16:41]:

How many minutes is this episode? What does this apply to? I've already done that work for you. So, I go in and update this spreadsheet. I sort all of my podcast episodes and categories, and I have all of the time stamps for you and a certificate that you can turn in for this professional learning. You're still learning. Hopefully, it's fun. I tell the kids at my skating STEM field trip that I'm not so bad. I'm pretty fun. So hopefully, you'll laugh a little bit with me.


Naomi Meredith [00:17:09]:

I have no idea. But keep track of that time. You can turn that in. I put this together for you, and I want this podcast to be useful. Along with that, a lot of you like to take the time in the summer to read books, where you really feel like you can chill, you can get that reading in, do some longer walks, and listen to audio. And I know that reading is so important in so many ways for fun and for learning. I'm always reading 3 books at one time. I always have a fiction book going for fun, a nonfiction book, whether that is for my business, just like business learning, or for my STEM teacher bookshelf.


Naomi Meredith [00:17:48]:

So I'll switch off between reading and audio for those two options, but I always have 3 going on at once. I don't watch a whole lot of TV by myself. I prefer books. I'm such a nerd. But in the STEM teacher bookshelf it's super low-key where we've modified the structure a bit where there is a Facebook group where we'll chat about some topics, some updates, some questions to answer maybe. And then, instead of a live call, because I know you're busy and we all live in different time zones, there are 2 private podcast episodes that come out each month. They are raw unedited. You get to hear all the things.


Naomi Meredith [00:18:24]:

If my dog barks, he barks, and we're that's where we're at. But at the beginning of the month, you get a private podcast episode where I talk about the book, why the book was chosen, and things to look for in your comprehension guide that I create for every book. And then at the end of the month, I will recap anything that happened in the Facebook group, some things to look forward to, and it resets from there. So you get to listen and learn on the go. Low key, I don't want it to be stressful. I really do try to choose books for the summer that have audio options when possible. So this springtime, there is a lot of audio, because if you're busy or cleaning your classroom, this is a great time to listen to books and get that learning in. And then this summer, I'm very, very thoughtful about the books and why I choose them for certain times, and you get to hear about why I chose the books for that time of month.


Naomi Meredith [00:19:17]:

So fun, low key membership. Would love to see you there. Also, if you're looking for very targeted learning and you wanna get something done, something prepped, you've been googling, you're like, I don't know what to do. I have some on-demand workshops. At the time, they were live, but you actually get to hear back the recordings. You can watch or listen. And I have different workshops to target different things that you were hoping to create. One that is very, very popular well, they're actually all really popular in their own way based on what you're looking for.


Naomi Meredith [00:19:51]:

A lot of you have mentioned I wanna do a school-wide news club. I might not wanna start at midyear. Where do I get started? Get this all prepped now, and I give you every single template and every single new thing you need in my school-wide virtual news workshop. In 2 hours, you will set up your whole news from start to finish. And I met with a teacher, and I'm saying this off the cuff, and you know who you are because I met with you on Zoom, and she did this workshop and implemented the news at her school. And then her students actually showcased their news at an awards thing in their district about technology. And the kids actually presented to me over Zoom their presentation and how they got started with their news and how it's going at their school. And it was so sweet.


Naomi Meredith [00:20:43]:

They even gave me a shout out. Like, that is so cute. But they were so proud of themselves, and I was proud of them, and they were I was not even in their classroom. I was over Zoom. So this is so, so amazing. So, a lot of you have reached out with emails saying, I implemented this news. It's going really well. So, if you just want everything laid out, I got you covered.


Naomi Meredith [00:21:05]:

Same thing with lesson planning. If you're taking a deep dive into your lessons, I have 2 separate workshops, shops, a k through 2 STEM planning workshop, and a 3 through 5 STEM planning workshop. There is a bundle. You can grab those together. But I do plan differently for each grade level. So, with the people I had live, we collaboratively planned units together, but you actually get to hear the thought process and the thinking out loud, which I think is very valuable. Also, if you're helping to put on a unique STEM event, I have a workshop all about STEM career day, where, again, I give you all the templates, all the emails, and everything you need to do to set up this event where students can see people in real life who are doing amazing things in STEM. And finally, if you are just starting from scratch, you're new to this position, you just found me, or you went through a year or 2, and you just need to really focus on your program and the systems and routines, how can you plan? What are some ways that students can collaborate together? How can I set up my classroom? I have that all for you in my STEM Teacher 101 course, where there is video.


Naomi Meredith [00:22:12]:

Again, audio. I'm very big on having both. But I will walk you through setting up your classroom. What should you look for? What routines do you need to have in place? How do you plan a stem lesson? What should you be doing to set that foundation? So this is really gonna build that foundation up for you, and you can do it in a weekend. It's not anything crazy, but you also have some handouts and some getting started things for you as well. So, as a recap, I gave you a lot of different options when it comes to professional development opportunities as a STEM teacher for 2024. Now, the things that I offer you are always there. But for 2024 we talked about how you can go to conferences in person, some different options for there.


Naomi Meredith [00:22:58]:

Check out some virtual summits that can be really fun, and also all the different things that I have created just for you based on request. Thank you so much again. I know this is a lot of information and resources, but, of course, check out the show notes so you can grab all the links and let me know how and what you end up choosing to support your STEM journey.

professional development for STEM teachers

 

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More About your host, Naomi Meredith

Naomi Meredith is an online K-5 STEM Coach in Colorado supporting elementary teachers world-wide navigate the best practices, strategies and tools out there. With over a decade of experience teaching, 5 years teaching elementary STEM, along with a M.Ed. in STEM Leadership and STEM Certificate, Naomi helps teachers world-wide to navigate best practices, strategies and tools out there. 

She offers a variety of tools to help teachers feel successful teaching STEM to their elementary students through lesson plans, online courses, coaching and speaking events.

She truly believes that any teacher out there can learn how to use STEM, innovation and hands-on learning in their classrooms effectively. She can’t wait to connect with you and be your guide!

More About The Elementary STEM Coach Podcast

Are you tired of scrolling online for your next great STEM lesson? Do you feel like there is no time to plan, research and test meaningful STEM lessons, so you throw together a hands-on activity and hope that it works? What systems and routines should you set in place to help students be creative, critically think, and collaborate? 

The Elementary STEM Coach is a podcast for K-5 STEM teachers, classroom teachers, GT specialists, and homeschool parents looking for actionable STEM solutions. Each week, Naomi Meredith will share tools, resources and lesson ideas that are actionable in your classroom and create highly engaging experiences with your students. You’ll learn systems and routines that will create control in the chaos and that will keep you organized all year long. 

Your mindless scrolling days are over! Your new STEM-best friend is now here in your ear buds!

innedco conference,

5 Reasons Why You Should Attend the InnEdCO Conference [ep.62]

5 Reasons Why You Should Attend the InnEdCO Conference [ep.62]

innedco conference,

Check out the full episode on 5 Reasons Why You Should Attend the InnEdCO Conference:  

 

Subscribe to the podcast HERE on your favorite podcasting platform.

Have a STEM question? Leave a voice message for the podcast!

Episode Summary

Are you looking for an innovative teacher conference to attend this summer? Well, I have the perfect one in mind that you don't want to miss out on. This conference is perfect for all k-12 educators looking for fresh ideas, building their community, and exploring new innovative resources. In today's episode, I'm talking about the InnEdCO conference and why you should attend this summer.

 

In this episode, you’ll learn:

  • 5 reasons you should attend the InnEdCO conference
  • What you can expect from this conference
  • My personal experience as a speaker at the conference

Resources Mentioned:

Episode Transcript: 

Naomi Meredith  00:00

What are you up to this summer? Are you looking for an innovative teacher conference to attend? Well, I have the perfect one in mind that you don't want to miss out on. In fact, this conference is perfect for all k through 12 educators who are looking for fresh ideas, build their community, and explore new innovative resources. I'm talking all about the InnEdCO conference and why you should attend this summer. 


Naomi Meredith  01:01

Can you believe it? We have made it over six months of the podcast, and 62 episodes and counting. When I originally launched this podcast, I really had no idea how this would go and how I would be able to support you in your earbuds. But I am so grateful for all of you who have been along this journey and for many more episodes and months and years to come. In fact, I want to get to know you better as a listener and what content I can continue to create in order to support you most in the elementary STEM space. I have a quick survey if you wouldn't mind filling this out. This will all be linked in the show notes. But if you fill this out, you'll be entered to win a giveaway. And five of you will receive a $15 Amazon gift card as a thank you. You have until February 21, 2023, to fill out this survey, and the winners are going to be announced the next day. Your answers for this survey are actually for my eyes only. I literally just want to get a feel for who's out there listening. I'm only going to use your email address to reach out if you are the winner. As I said, this link is in the show notes or you can fill out the survey, pause this podcast and go to Naomimeredith.com/podsurvey. P-O-D s-u-r-v-e-y. Speaking of creating things that you are interested in, you have asked and I have listened. I actually switched things up. I didn't know if anyone was interested. But you guys told me that you liked the K-2 STEM planning virtual workshop and it was such a success, which you can still jump in on and watch the session and get all of the materials it was all recorded. So because of this, I am going to pair this with a three through five STEM planning workshop in a couple of weeks. So keep your eyes and ears out for that soon. Also coming up at the end of March, we will be getting started with our STEM virtual book club. I don't have a fancy name for it yet, but we're figuring that out. So make sure to get on the waitlist for that. I'm going to also be sharing the book list soon if you want to get a head start on reading. I typically listen to the audiobook first and then I go back and read the physical books. So I read each book at least twice. So this is a great way to build your STEM community, talk about the book, and innovative topics when you're in this group. So you can join at Naomimeredith.com/bookclubwaitlist. 


Naomi Meredith  03:46

The first time I attended the InnEdCO conference, I was a classroom teacher, and I was absolutely mesmerized. I had attended other conferences in the past about various topics, and even a few conferences when I was on the yearbook committee in high school. So conferences weren't a new thing to me. But there was something different about the InnEdCO conference that was really, really special. I felt connected. And I felt like I was in the right place. Also, it was really cool for me attending this conference. It was my first ever time presenting with my still longtime friend and she was my coworker at the time, and then somebody else that we worked with, and I did not do a great job. Let me tell you about it. I presented on Seesaw, shocker, and it was just a really cool stepping stone to where I'm at today and where I am headed. Don't get me wrong. online conferences are great and you should still be attending them. They're super convenient. I present at those all the time. But there's something special about attending a conference in person where you are surrounded by other people who, I have in air quotations, get it. There's so much to be said about that human connection. There's something about this InnEdCO conference that has something special that I'm going to be sharing with you about. In fact, I have been an ambassador for InnEdCO. And now I am serving on the board. So I really believe in this organization. And I know that we believe in teachers and providing them with really great opportunities to connect and collaborate together. So of course, we have this conference. And there's other things too. But let me share with you why this conference is definitely something you don't want to miss out on. At the conference last year, there are over 150 different workshops, featured speaker sessions, and roundtables with more than 200 different presenters and co-presenters, who are primarily classroom teachers. So this is super special, where you get to be around people like you. So let's jump into those five reasons why you should attend the InnEdCO conference this summer. 


Naomi Meredith  06:04

First, and super important is it is collaborative and engaging. Sure, you can just sit and get the information, like most conferences, and not talk to anybody. But even if you're shy, you won't be able to help not talking to someone. It just has this intimate feel when you are there. And you just get a lot of opportunities in the sessions to chat with people. A couple of years ago, when I presented, I did a whole session about STEM survival camp. And what was really cool about the venue that we had this conference hosted at is there was a big fire pit outside. So everybody at my session we met at the big fire pit, we didn't have it on  since it was summertime. So just we had the feel of the fire. Everybody sat around the campfire, I presented about the session, the purpose behind STEM survival camp, what the challenges were, and all of that which you can go back and listen to episode four to hear all about it. And then teachers actually had the experience to try some of the challenges where I provided some of the materials. And then they had to go out into the woods, that were right next door to find things that would enhance their challenge. The teachers were laughing having a good time, they were taking pictures of their work asking me questions. So they did not have a chance to sit and get they were able to collaborate together, chat with me, chat with each other, and make new friends during this session. So there are so many other sessions that are like this, that give you the chance to learn from one another, which is so powerful. And that's probably why you are here listening to this podcast, you want to have the chance to learn from others. And especially if you're an elementary STEM, it can be isolating being pretty much the only person in your building who does what you do. So being around these other people who understand what you're going through and you can bounce ideas off of, it is so energizing. I'm energized just talking about it. In fact, the vendors are so much fun to talk to too. It's not all creepy, like oh, don't talk to me, don't talk to me, you actually want to talk to them. They want to hear your story and have you play along with the products, ask them questions. They don't pressure you to buy anything but just gives you a chance to see other tools that you might not have in your school or things you might want to write grants for later on, or things that you could work up to with your classroom budget, or however you get funding for your space. So this conference is definitely super fun and super engaging, and you will be pumped up for the rest of the day. 


Naomi Meredith  08:48

The second reason why you want to check out the InnEdCO conference is that there are relatable and knowledgeable speakers. We are very specific about the people that we choose for you to learn from. And most of them are actually still educators in the classroom. So what better way to learn from people who are doing what you're doing, can talk about their experiences, answer your questions, and be relatable? Because, really, how can you talk about teaching if you've ever been a teacher, right? Am I right? It's like a whole secret world. Not only that, but with the sessions, there are some awesome, awesome keynote speakers that we have throughout the week. Again, super fun and super engaging. I always learn so much. These are actually keynote speakers that you don't want to miss out on and go to your room and sneak a little nap or have lunch. You actually want to be a part of those. They are super, super fun. Again, totally worth your time. I always learn something new. And I just love being able to hear from people who are a teacher like me. 


Naomi Meredith  09:55

The third reason why you want to attend the InnEdCO conference is you have the opportunity to earn college credit. Not every conference can say you can do that. You spend so much time at a conference. And then yes, you have ideas. But wouldn't it be nice if you could apply it towards renewing your teaching license or moving up the pay scale? That is really cool. When you are there at InnEdCO, you can actually get that all sorted out. We have a booth where you can find out that information and earn that college credit that you've worked hard for. There are other things coming up within InnEdCO besides the conference that will give you this opportunity. But that's all I can really say. So that's a little sneak peek for you, you can always email me later, and I can chat with you about that. But there is this conference where you can earn that opportunity and then more awesome things to come. 


Naomi Meredith  10:50

The fourth reason you should attend the InnEdCO conference is you feel valued. I'm really not making this up. I totally understand how it feels like you're not getting noticed for what you do. You're constantly spinning your wheels in the sand, you're doing so much, and nobody really sees what you're doing. Are you really making a difference? I completely understand that feeling. But when you are here at InnEdCO, it is so supportive, and you feel valued by the organization and by other teachers that you're talking with all the really awesome conversations, just the whole day in itself just makes you feel valued. Even the little prizes and the little things that they have everywhere. It's just so much fun that you're like, What Why does my school do this? It's just so cool. And let me tell you a side tip, the after parties and a happy hour are where it's at. So you have your awesome sessions, and then you can continue the fun after the sessions. So I love how I always feel leaving this. It's almost like going to a retreat. I just feel so valued and supported in this experience. And the conference really does a good job and making you feel that way. 


Naomi Meredith  12:15

And the fifth reason why you should head to the InnEdCO conference is that it's located in Colorado. I know you're wondering where it was, I saved the best for last. And I'm just kidding. All of them are the best thing. But it's located in Colorado in Breckenridge. So if you haven't been to this part of Colorado, it's in the mountains but not very far. It's not a hard drive. So if you're not used to mountain driving, whatever, you're totally fine. It is so beautiful in Breckenridge at this time of year, this is the time to go it is absolutely gorgeous. And you can make a whole family trip out of this, a lot of people actually do that. Even if their significant other isn't a teacher, they'll bring them up with them. And then the teacher who's in the relationship will attend the conference. And then the family will hang out sometimes at lunch or even afterward. So your family doesn't have to be excluded. Just make it a whole family affair, and have a wonderful time at Breckenridge. There is a lot to do, and the town is super, super cute. It is from June 12-14. You don't have to go each day. I love it so much. I'm actually getting married a few days before this conference. And I'm still going because I love it that much. So if you end up going, come find me and let's take a selfie together because you're absolutely going to love it. 


Naomi Meredith  13:37

If the cost might be hindering your attendance to this conference, or really any other conference that you're thinking about, consider reaching out to your admin or people who are higher up who can offer you a grant. Maybe they don't even talk about their grant opportunities. But there's always a way and if you need help, email me. I would be happy to help you out for free to write a grant so you can have an experience that will really impact your teaching in a positive way and help you build your journey and elementary STEM. But definitely think of that or even think about if I attend, then I can present to the staff about my learning. I have done that before when I attended a math workshop at Stanford for my school. Or maybe you can lead a district presentation or write something about how this experience impacted your teaching. So even if your principal or admin or whoever says that this isn't possible, or they don't even mention it, you mention it. There is that opportunity. And consider don't go alone. Are there other teachers in your building who could come together and you can make a whole group experience out of this? There are special deals for group pricing and then the earlier you register, the better the deal that you get. So definitely consider that when you are thinking about this conference for the summertime. It's a great way to kick off the summer and ignite that spark in you for the upcoming school year. 


Naomi Meredith  15:06

As a recap, here are the five reasons why you should attend the InnEdCO conference this summer. First, it is collaborative and energizing. Next, you have relatable and knowledgeable speakers. Third, you have the chance to earn college credit. Fourth, you definitely feel valued while you're there. And fifth, it is located in Colorado. Ready to join in for InnEdCO 2023? You can register and find more information linked in the show notes or check it out using this direct link innedco.com/conference. I hope to see you there.

innedco conference,

 

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More About your host, Naomi Meredith

Naomi Meredith is a former classroom teacher turned current K-5 STEM teacher and coach. Her role not only includes teaching over 500 students in her school, but also leading professional development and co-teaching with teachers to help them integrate STEM & Technology.

With over a decade of experience along with a M.Ed. in STEM Leadership and STEM certificate, she helps teachers navigate the best practices, strategies and tools out there.

She truly believes that any teacher out there can learn how to use STEM & Technology in their classrooms effectively. She can’t wait to connect with you and be your guide!

More About The Elementary STEM Coach Podcast

Are you tired of scrolling online for your next great STEM lesson? Do you feel like there is no time to plan, research and test meaningful STEM lessons, so you throw together a hands-on activity and hope that it works? What systems and routines should you set in place to help students be creative, critically think, and collaborate? 

The Elementary STEM Coach is a podcast for K-5 STEM teachers, classroom teachers, GT specialists, and homeschool parents looking for actionable STEM solutions. Each week, Naomi Meredith will share tools, resources and lesson ideas that are actionable in your classroom and create highly engaging experiences with your students. You’ll learn systems and routines that will create control in the chaos and that will keep you organized all year long. 

Your mindless scrolling days are over! Your new STEM-best friend is now here in your ear buds!