#TpTVegas15
“What
happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas” that
is the saying, right? WRONG! Not this time. What happened in Vegas at
the Teachers Pay Teachers Conference has left Vegas and travels far and wide in the hearts and minds of all the
teachers that attended. My teacher heart and mind is full and inspired.
If you read my last post, before I left for Vegas,
you already know that I went alone not knowing anyone. I was nervous and unsure
what to expect. I couldn’t decide if I was doing the right thing… I can say now
that it was the best decision.
I learned a great deal from the sessions I took. My
session presenters gave valuable information about product development, using
social media, branding, marketing, using data, and so much more. That was what
I had anticipated but, for me, there were so many moments that spoke to my heart. Really,
I almost cried more times than I would like to admit. The
energy at this conference was magical. I have never quite experienced anything
like this before. Here are some of the moments that meant so much to me.
*The Key Note speaker Rachel Lynette
was simply amazing. She told us about her journey with TpT and while she spoke
I could feel a world of possibilities opening for me. I walked out of that room
feeling empowered and reassured that I am on the right path.
*Adam Freed the CEO spoke during
the key note. He really gets it. He knows that what we do as teachers is important
and he respects and appreciates what we do. In the education climate we have
today, his words melted me. It was not just talk, he meant it. He actually
carries a quote from a teacher in his wallet. I felt valued and that is refreshing and so
very humbling. At that moment I realized this journey I am on is bigger than
selling products and it made me proud to be a part of TpT.
*I had the chance to meet and
have my picture taken with Paul,the founder of TpT. EEKKKK!
*Meeting a so many of teachers
in the TpT community that I admire. I don’t want to name drop… but… just
kidding, It would take a really long time to name them all anyway. The point is
that it felt a bit intimidating to approach these teachers because well, they
are teacher rock stars, but I did and each
and every one was so kind and friendly. All of my fears and anxiety were for
nothing.
Here is me and Freckles from GoNoodle! |
*Meeting a cyber-friend in
person. I met Mandy Gregory from Mandy’s Tips for Teachers. Without knowing me
she took the time to help me and was the reason I put my first product up for
sale. We have chatted only a few times on FB. Finally, we met in Vegas and I am
so glad we did. We got along and hung
out together most of the time. She is so sweet and she says ‘Y’all’, which to
this New Yorker is so fun to hear. Lol. Making connections with other teachers is
wonderful but making a friend is even better.
My
biggest take away from this conference is that this community can help me to be my best self. Now isn’t that what we all
want, to be our best self. I am ready. I am all in. #TpTVegas15
I love your takeaway! It is so true!
ReplyDelete-Valerie from Common Core Collaboration
Thank you Valerie :) Come together, go further!
DeleteI agree with everything you said! Vegas was a blast and we are coming home with so many different ideas!
ReplyDelete- Tracy from Smith's Safari
Thank you Tracy. It was really amazing.
DeleteHi Anne! I am so glad I came across your blog in this link up! You are so brave. I don't know if I could go to Vegas solo without really knowing anyone. Wow! You're from New York? Where? I live in WNY!!!! It seems to be difficult to come across other NY bloggers. Looking forward to talking with you!
ReplyDelete~Holly
Fourth Grade Flipper
Hi Anne! My last interaction in Vegas (Your sweet gesture meant so much to me at the Primary Pack Meetup!) still stays with me as just the icing on my TPT conference cake! It was such a filled few days and our pic is the only one I was brave enough to get (thanks to you!) I appreciate it so much! Have a great year!
DeleteLaura, You are so kind. I really enjoyed meeting you and thank you for taking a picture with me. I am grateful too. Vegas was amazing and meeting wonderful people like you made my trip even more spectacular. :)
DeleteHolly,
DeleteYay! Another New York Girl! Yes, I would love to chat with you. I am from the Hudson Valley. It was very nerve racking to go alone but I do not regret one minute. The whole trip has really inspired me in so many ways. :) You can always contact me through email. msduffysdream@gmail.com
I enjoyed meeting you at the networking session! I got a picture with Freckles too. Did he ask if you Pop See Koed?
ReplyDeleteYeehaw! Teaching in Texas
I enjoyed listening to Rachel also! She was wonderful!
ReplyDelete