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2013-2014 NEWSLETTERS — In The Middle

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President’s Message, Lorrie Kubaszewski

Spring 2014

 

OMLA Conference 2014 – What an Experience!

One conference – Over 900 Ohio middle level educators, a nationally recognized keynote, a nationally recognized featured speaker and 90 breakout sessions tailored for middle level educators by middle level educators = one phenomenal professional development opportunity!

One Ohio middle school principal shared:

On behalf of Parkway Middle School I would like to thank you and the rest of the OMLA staff for an outstanding conference. I attended the conference in Sandusky last year and all I could think was, “I wish my staff was here!”

This year we brought eight staff members and they absolutely loved it. At our staff meeting last night, each staff member made a short presentation on one of the sessions they attended. As they talked, the staff members raved about the conference and how meaningful it was for them.

 They are already sharing and implementing many of the things they learned and they can’t wait to attend again next year.

Brian Woods, Principal
Parkway Middle School
3/5/14
 
A few comments from our post conference survey:

Rick Wormeli, the Standards-Based Grading mini-session, and Jack Berkemeyer — I could have seen those 3 and been 100% satisfied with my trip! So much inspiration and knowledge!!
 
I felt like I got a lot of good instructional ideas and great tips on how to become a better teacher. I think the conference helped me realize some ideas/ways to help challenge myself and my students
 
The entire conference was great. I came away with MANY new ideas for my classroom, for my team, for my school. Your keynote speakers have been revitalizing and encouraging.
 
I got fantastic ideas that I actually started using two days after my return. My own personal highlight was winning an iPad mini for my costume during the social. I really enjoyed being part of such a great team and was so honored to be there.
 
I really enjoyed Rick. He reminded me that EVERYONE has those students who they struggle with. He inspired me to not give up on some students as well as reassure me in things I am already doing.
 
Excellent break outs, so many of them were just what I needed to fill in the latest in teaching methods and real world advice. I also loved the session taught by first year teachers. They gave so much helpful information that I will take with me! I also appreciated the round table discussion about getting a teaching job conducted by education administration professionals that do the hiring in their districts. I have taken their information to heart and am now proactive, so I will stand out from the crowd.
 
On behalf of OMLA, I would like to thank the attendees for continuing their journey in the pursuit of the best classroom practices.  We know it is more difficult than ever to leave your classroom.  We admire your commitment to taking advantage of opportunities to learn from and network with other educators who share your understanding of middle level uniqueness.  Bravo!

Next year’s conference promises to be just as powerful!  Nationally recognized and acclaimed educator Ron Clark will conduct a 90 minute keynote on Thursday, February 12^th.  Ron Clark is a much sought after keynote speaker. He shares the uncanny adventures he has had in the classroom and speaks of his experiences teaching in Harlem. Within his humorous and heartwarming stories, he delivers a message relevant to each of us. It is a message of hope, dedication and the never-say-never attitude required to achieve goals and dreams.

Here are a couple of testimonials from people who have heard Ron speak:
 
He hit a home run way out of the ballpark!!! The keynote could not have been more perfect for us. People were coming out of the room so charged up with energy and inspiration and commitment that they all felt like supermen and women – like they could teach forever! He helped them remember why they do this work and why it matters. He was worth a million dollars here on Wednesday!

- Laura L. McCullough, Ph.D. , Kentucky Department of Education
 
Ron Clark is able to captivate an audience unlike anyone I’ve ever heard before. His stories bring both tears and laughter. I watched an audience of 650 sit spellbound as he shared his struggles and triumphs as an educator. Anyone who hears him will feel rejuvenated and inspired.

- Executive Director, Georgia Department of Education
 
As the 2013-2014 year makes its way down the home stretch and your sights start to focus on the next school year, make it part of your plan to attend the 2015 OMLA Conference at Kalahari in Sandusky on February 12 & 13^th!  It promises to be a priceless professional development opportunity.

Lorrie Kubaszewski
OMLA President