Join the Revolution: Lessons Learned at

Join the REVOLUTION MEA Fall Conference 2016

Nearly 300 members Joined the Revolution at MEA’s annual Fall Conference. From making the most of your conversations, to learning effective classroom management strategies to information on how to be a teacher leader the conference didn’t disappoint. Couldn’t come? Here are just a few of the takeaways from those who attended.

Talya Edlund on making the most of conversations.

“A lot of the work you do before you ask students to write is to verbally story tell. I've seen that kind of story-telling make such a difference in their work. Let students record their voice and tell their story they realize they have something to say and what they’re saying is valuable to adults. We have to let students know they can say something first. Let them practice and listen to them.”

Andrea Levinsky - SAD 51 EA

“I leaned I need to most work on responding in the moment to discipline in my classroom. It was good to realize my strengths and practice some new techniques I learned at the conference. I want to stamp their homework now to show them I know they did it. I'm going to now create limits on acceptable behavior to help better manage my classroom.”

Hannah Somes - Student MEA

“I’ve taken away a lot about emotional objectivity, and understanding I need to let students start fresh each day. If yesterday wasn’t a good day, I need to let them start new. I also now realize the importance of greeting students each day when they enter the classroom.”

Sarah Griffin - Portland EA

I learned that there are things that I’m doing really wrong which is great because now I understand, from this conference, how to fix those things. Taking the time to really develop classroom procedures at the beginning of the year will help you make sure students are available for learning and growth and will help minimize your behavior management. The biggest thing I took from one session—don’t pre-determine who your students will be each day, let them come in with a fresh start and meet them where they’re at.”

Tina Fox - Portland EA

“I learned I need to make sure that I pack any of my emotional baggage in a Tupperware container when I enter the classroom. I need to remember that I can’t take things personally or come into my classroom upset because of something personal— we need to make sure that the kids have nothing to do with that. I think that’s challenging, but a good lesson and good reminder.”

Sam Mullen - Tritown Education Association (SAD 52)

“You need to make sure you take the time to really hear people, at the very least know when to talk and when not to talk. There are a lot of people here working for the betterment of the profession, we’re not alone. It’s great to see that and remember that–those are some of things I've taken away.”

Fred Ravan - Brewer EA

“I learned a lot about ESSA. Surprisingly, I didn't know much. I also really liked the project based workshop and the fundamental idea to understand how to let our students lead the way and give them choices.

Inga Browne - Thornton Academy TA

“I've learned a lot. I just feel so empowered going back into the classroom Monday knowing everything I think I do, from how I say hello has an impact on my students. I'm in control of how I make them feel and how they learn—which you know but to hear it again—I'm feeling that power. It's very inspirational.”

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“Professional development is not a luxury.” - Talya Edlund, 2016 Maine Teacher of the Year, Cape Elizabeth EA

While professional development is an obvious major part of the MEA Fall Conference, the MEA wanted to make sure its members had fun connecting with each other and enjoying their downtime after working so hard each day. The MEA hosted a Halloween party complete with a DJ—who happens to be a member! DJ Sidecar Sound (AKA Dennis Boyd, Oxford Hills EA) kicked off the night with some great music and judged the costume contest, which included kids this year. (Side note—free babysitting helped the adults have fun in the later hours too!) Here are some pictures from the party!

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