As a teacher, the pursuit of continuous growth is not just a professional obligation but a personal passion. This year, that journey brought me to the doorstep of an experience that not only reshaped my perspective on professional development but also gave me an unforgettable lesson in courage and community. I knew attending my first National SHAPE Conference in Cleveland, less than an hour’s drive from my teaching home in Tallmadge, Ohio, would be meaningful and memorable.

I have been a quiet presence at our state-level OAPHERD state conference for years.  I have always loved this conference to absorb invaluable information. Still, I was usually in the back row and generally too shy to engage as much as I wanted to. But this national conference was about to change all that.

The 2024 National SHAPE Conference was a melting pot of inspiration, where health and physical education professionals congregated to share, learn, and uplift one another. Here, I realized the value of stepping out of one’s comfort zone. Encouraged by the event’s energy, I took the plunge to meet people, ask probing questions, and offer my insights—a stark contrast to my previous self.

This leap was fueled mainly by my recent accolade as the 2023 Ohio Health Teacher of the Year—an honor I’m incredibly proud of, yet one that pushed me into the spotlight I typically shied away from. I realized that this recognition was not just a pat on the back but a call to action, a platform from which to launch into a journey of becoming more like the health educator “heroes” I have always admired from afar. 

And speaking of heroes, they say, “Never meet your heroes; you’ll be disappointed.” But this adage couldn’t be further from the truth regarding health ed heroes. Meeting the incredible teachers I had followed from afar on Twitter was a revelation. They were helpful, genuine, and eager to support others in their quest to improve. Conversations flowed with a camaraderie that only those who share a common passion can understand. Their willingness to share their experiences and wisdom was a testament to the supportive nature of our community.

Each session, each workshop, and each informal gathering buzzed with the excitement of shared knowledge and the joy of networking. It was a celebration of our profession and a powerful reminder of our impact on the lives we touch through health (and PE for many) education. I was seeing the educators whose innovative ideas I’ve implemented in my classroom for years-  exchanging stories with them and laughing together, which broke down any remnants of that age-old myth that meeting your heroes is always a disappointment. Instead, it was empowering.

I returned to my school energized and with a new sense of purpose. To all the educators out there who, like me, might find themselves lurking in the shadows, I urge you to step into the light. The path of professional development is not just about attending conferences; it’s about engaging fully, embracing the discomfort of the unknown, and transforming it into an opportunity for growth. In the past, I never would have even thought about contributing to the great Andy Milne’s blog, but here we are.  

So, if you may be hanging out in the back row with passion inside and wanting to get it out… raise your hand, share your story, and join the conversation. The community you find will not only welcome you with open arms but will also champion your journey. The 2024 National SHAPE Conference wasn’t just a professional milestone; it was a personal triumph over the fear of stepping out, and I am immeasurably grateful for the opportunity and am excited about where the journey ahead takes me- I encourage any and everybody to come along for the ride!

This microblog post was a featured post in #slowchathealth’s #microblogmonth event. You can search for all of the featured posts here. Please do follow each of the outstanding contributors on social media (including Matt Hagedorn, the author of this post) and consider writing a microblog post of your own to be shared with the global audience of slowchathealth.com

Pair this post with the following:

Find Your Tribe by Cindie Cortinas-Vogt

Frozen While Still Moving by Tony Alexander

Advice to a New Teacher by Renee Reedhardt

Have you read the latest Book of the Month recommendation?