Where Everyone Knows Your Name
It’s that time of the year. Yes, it is the start of the holiday season but that’s not what I am referring to. Every year, just before Thanksgiving, educators from around the state gather in Rochester for the NYSCATE conference. For those not familiar with NYSCATE (New York State Association for Computers and Technologies in Education), the focus is on learning, not on technology. Technology is viewed as a one way to improve learning by making it personalized and child focused.
So, why does this conference stand apart from others? The NYSCATE conference beings together different educators from all around the state and even beyond. There are teachers from every discipline and grade level. There are administrators including principals, directors, and superintendents. BOCES staff is always well-represented as are professional development and technology integration specialists. All these groups come together to learn from each other in a seemingly endless number of workshops. Most professional development sessions are led by those in the field. Yes, there are ed tech companies presenting as well, but they are far fewer than educators sharing their own knowledge with peers all to improve learning and teaching. The problem isn’t finding the right session to attend but deciding which one to choose. The best approach is to divide and conquer by having a colleague attend one session while you go to another.
The NYSCATE conference is also a place for those really into learning about the latest and greatest devices, solutions, and applications. As I mentioned before, there are presentations from ed tech companies but the best way to learn is to walk the exhibit floor and talk to each of the companies. The conference also does a great job of bringing in keynote speakers to stretch our thinking. Innovative educators are recognized with awards and grants to continue making a difference. There is something for everyone.
Many conferences do all the things I mentioned but rarely better. But the one thing that truly sets NYSCATE apart from all others is the people. Where else can you go, with over a 1000 people, and feel at home. That goes for the veteran attendees that come back every year or the rookies who are trying it out for the first time. In addition to all the learning, so much learning your head will hurt, there are social events. Maybe, its’ a quick meet up with colleagues from around a region with their elected member of the Board of Directors, a gathering sponsored by one of the many companies, or a band/DJ getting everyone moving.
Far too many conferences are focused on being the biggest or catering to a very specific group. I don’t know about you but going to a conference where it’s always the same message or focused on the same problems, just hurts the soul. Now more than ever, we need to bring everyone in education together. Attending a conference where you don’t know many people can be intimidating, but here’s the thing, every single person felt the same way at some point. In no time at all, everyone makes connections and even better, friends. I’m sure some might be thinking I am biased as a former director and Superintendent of the Year. I can honestly say that if it wasn’t for the people sharing incredible ideas and a passion for reaching every single child, I wouldn’t be the person I am today. Besides what other conference makes it feel like you are where everyone knows your name? After two years apart with the pandemic, I can’t wait to get back together with old friends and make new friends since it’s always better together.
