Professional Learning Update: Leadership: Connect ~ Inspire ~ Thrive

Dr. Demica Sanders, Director of Professional Learning, CLAS

Summer is always an exciting time for CLAS because it usually means that we are preparing for a new year filled with new professional learning opportunities and traveling to the CLAS convention. We love getting the opportunity to meet new administrators, while visiting with our old friends. Although it can be a very nerve-racking time, we enjoy seeing our hard work come to fruition and hearing everyone’s reactions to the speakers, the sessions, and the overall event! It is truly a wonderful time had by all!

The 2022 CLAS Convention was held in the historic city of Birmingham, AL and certainly did not disappoint! There was a buzz in the city as the USFL regular season ended and preparations for the 2022 World Games was in full swing. Leaders who were ready to Connect with other leaders, be Inspired and had Thrived through the roughest years showed up ready to learn and network!

Donna Porter and DJ Batiste kicked off the convention with their keynote, The Three Rs of Classroom Management: Relationships, Responsibility and Respect. Their keynote reminded us of the importance of how shifting our perspectives can turn problem students into the most enthusiastic learners. Baruti Kafele, author and motivational speaker encouraged us to reflect upon our “why” for entering the world of education. He provided us strategies that any administrator – novice and veteran- can use as they prepare for the upcoming school year. Katie Martin, our final keynote, reminded us that students must feel valued, and it is our job to create opportunities for them to reach their full potential. She challenged each of us to show up and be brave, pave the way and innovate to create the path forward for our students. As the week progressed, we were privy to great clinic and breakout presenters who focused on varying topics of importance to the work that we do every day- educating Alabama’s students.

We had the opportunity to network through various vendor dinners, pedal tours, and the President’s Reception where we danced the night away while listening to our very own Executive Director, Vic Wilson and his band, The Uncommon Core. It was indeed an enjoyable time had by all!

As you began the upcoming year, I want to remind you of a quote by Rick Warren. He once said that “great opportunities may come once in a lifetime, but small opportunities surround us every day.” Even though the CLAS convention is not a once in a lifetime event (although I try to make it be each year), it is my hope that you were surrounded by small opportunities that you can use in your buildings this upcoming school year. As a leader, you should always be prepared to act when opportunities are available and hopefully, this year’s CLAS convention provided you with a chance to do just that!

As you began the school year, I have a wish for each of you and have summoned my friends Racal Flatts for their vocals. This beautiful song sums up my hopes and desires for you this year and always! Hopefully it will provide inspiration to you as it does me. https://youtu.be/zGB7IWklW3s

I hope that you all have a great school year and as always, if the CLAS staff can ever assist you, please do not hesitate to contact us!