This will be my third OER Conference and I think what keeps me coming back is the variety of topics and new ideas I encounter each year.  Last year hearing Brian Stevenson talk and then reading his book Just Mercy really helped me adjust my mindset.  It made me think about how I could apply this in teaching.  That students really are more than their worst grade.  That if I could find ways to engage them and keep approaching each learning opportunity like it was their first then at some point I might breakthrough and engage them in their learning.  This led to some changes in my classroom with grading and the pacing of assignments. I also included the book Just Mercy in my Civics curriculum and my students loved it. It led to great discussions and some students who often resisted engaging in class finally engaged in discussion and reading in class.  For a few students this was the one unit they really participated in. 

Each year I take something away from the conference that I can put into practice and help my students to achieve even more. This year I'm giving a bit back by being a "Talk" creator and looking forward to the discussions about the Talk topics. 

This will be my third OER Conference and I think what keeps me coming back is the variety of topics and new ideas I encounter each year.  Last year hearing Brian Stevenson talk and then reading his book Just Mercy really helped me adjust my mindset.  It made me think about how I could apply this in teaching.  That students really are more than their worst grade.  That if I could find ways to engage them and keep approaching each learning opportunity like it was their first then at some point I might breakthrough and engage them in their learning.  This led to some changes in my classroom with grading and the pacing of assignments. I also included the book Just Mercy in my Civics curriculum and my students loved it. It led to great discussions and some students who often resisted engaging in class finally engaged in discussion and reading in class.  For a few students this was the one unit they really participated in. 

Each year I take something away from the conference that I can put into practice and help my students to achieve even more. This year I'm giving a bit back by being a "Talk" creator and looking forward to the discussions about the Talk topics.