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NCTE: Finding My Tribe

Thank you to each of the Two Writing Teachers: Stacey, Tara, Betsy, Dana, Anna, and Beth for this weekly opportunity to slice and for the community it's created for all of us.

This year found NCTE in my backyard. I don't think I have words to fully describe my excitement at this prospect. Volunteering provided me the chance to attend this amazing conference. I couldn't wait because of the people...meeting so many people from my PLN made these few days thrilling and amazing. 

Two years ago, I attended NCTE in Las Vegas. I thought that was amazing... but it didn't even come close to this conference. What was different? Me? Sessions? No. It's this: I am now part of a larger online community and this was my chance to bring my online friendships into the real world. Walking to a session and hearing someone call my name to say hello made me feel like I really belonged here. I met Carol and Margaret at the first session I attended. Getting a chance to talk face to face gave us a chance to know each other on a whole new level. It feels like I belong in this group of smart and accomplished teachers. I'm so grateful for this group!! Julieanne, Fran, Ramona, Lee Ann, Melanie, Dana, Betsy, Tara, Stacey and so many others!     

There's so much more to tell about the conference and what I learned. I'll save those stories for future blog posts! Currently, I'm still at the National Harbor...attending the ALAN conference. There's so much to say, yet I don't have the words to describe this experience. 

Thank you to everyone I met. I'm so grateful for the conversations, the hugs, the laughter, the support and for making this experience a memorable one! 

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  1. Margaret SimonNovember 25, 2014 at 6:49 AM

    I felt like I had an instant best friend. Love you!

    ReplyDelete
  2. JulieanneNovember 25, 2014 at 8:00 AM

    I feel the same! It was a homecoming. So grateful to have you as a colleague and had the opportunity to go to NCTE14. Enjoy the rest of your stay. So much more to come.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Clare LandriganNovember 25, 2014 at 9:16 AM

    It was so great meeting you and putting a face to your blog! Enjoy the conference and look forward to connecting again soon!
    Clare and Tammy

    ReplyDelete
  4. TaraNovember 25, 2014 at 10:11 AM

    So wonderful to meet you at last Michelle, and hope to hear more about ALAN.

    ReplyDelete
  5. StaceyNovember 25, 2014 at 11:28 AM

    Wow! You're still there and going. You're awesome. Can't wait to hear about ALAN.

    So good to finally meet you in person!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Dana MurphyNovember 25, 2014 at 12:32 PM

    It was such a pleasure meeting you this weekend, Michelle. Although, I strangely feel as if I've known you a long time. :) I'm glad to have a new friend, and I thank you for not letting me get trampled in the exhibit hall. I wish you could have seen Maddie's eyes pop open when I opened my suitcase and the books came spilling out.

    I'm glad we're in the same tribe. :)

    ReplyDelete
  7. Betsy HubbardNovember 25, 2014 at 5:25 PM

    It was so great meeting you! I was looking forward to it and am so thankful we ran into each other as much as we did. Until next time!

    ReplyDelete
  8. JaanaNovember 25, 2014 at 9:43 PM

    So glad you got to go, but also a little jealous. I look forward to reading more about your experiences at NCTE.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Linda BNovember 25, 2014 at 10:20 PM

    I hope your trunk held all those books, Michelle. Wonderful that you're at ALAN too. Can't wait to hear more from you.

    ReplyDelete

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